Atomic numbers and mass numbers are important ideas that help us understand different elements.
Atomic Number (Z):
This number tells us how many protons are in the center, or nucleus, of an atom.
It also shows us what the element is.
For example, Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, which means it has 1 proton.
Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, so it has 8 protons.
Mass Number (A):
This number tells us the total amount of protons and neutrons in an atom.
For instance, Carbon has a mass number of 12. This means it has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
On the other hand, Uranium usually has a mass number of 238, which is 92 protons and 146 neutrons.
These numbers are useful because they help us organize elements in the periodic table and understand their characteristics better.
Atomic numbers and mass numbers are important ideas that help us understand different elements.
Atomic Number (Z):
This number tells us how many protons are in the center, or nucleus, of an atom.
It also shows us what the element is.
For example, Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, which means it has 1 proton.
Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, so it has 8 protons.
Mass Number (A):
This number tells us the total amount of protons and neutrons in an atom.
For instance, Carbon has a mass number of 12. This means it has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
On the other hand, Uranium usually has a mass number of 238, which is 92 protons and 146 neutrons.
These numbers are useful because they help us organize elements in the periodic table and understand their characteristics better.