Question

how do you calculate neutrons?

electrons + protons
mass number - atomic number
atomic number - mass number
protons - electrons

Explanation:

Define atomic components

An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which contribute to almost all of the atom's mass.

Define mass number

The mass number (\(A\)) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus:

$$ \text{Mass number } (A) = \text{Protons} + \text{Neutrons} $$

Define atomic number

The atomic number (\(Z\)) represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom:

$$ \text{Atomic number } (Z) = \text{Protons} $$

Rearrange to solve for neutrons

By substituting the atomic number into the mass number equation, we get:

$$ \text{Mass number } (A) = \text{Atomic number } (Z) + \text{Neutrons} $$

Subtracting the atomic number from both sides yields:

$$ \text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Atomic number} $$

Answer:

• Electrons + protons
• Mass number - atomic number (Correct answer)
• Atomic number - mass number
• Protons - electrons