Question

compare and contrast mass number and atomic mass. 250 words remaining

Explanation:

Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus (e.g., for \(^{12}\text{C}\), mass number \(A = 6+6 = 12\)). It is an integer and specific to a particular isotope. Atomic mass is the weighted - average mass of all an element's isotopes (e.g., for carbon, atomic mass \(M\approx12.01\) g/mol). It accounts for isotope abundances and is a non - integer (usually). Both relate to an atom's mass, but mass number is for a single isotope, atomic mass is for the element considering isotopes.

Answer:

Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in an isotope's nucleus (integer, isotope - specific). Atomic mass is the weighted - average mass of an element's isotopes (non - integer, element - wide). Both pertain to atomic mass but differ in scope (isotope vs. element) and value type (integer vs. non - integer).