how can you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom
how can you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom
Answer: You can calculate the number of neutrons in an atom using the following formula:
Number of Neutrons (N) = Atomic Mass (A) - Atomic Number (Z)
Where:
- Atomic Mass (A) is the total mass of the atom, typically expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or unified atomic mass units (u).
- Atomic Number (Z) is the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom, which determines the element’s identity.
To calculate the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (protons) from the atomic mass. Neutrons are electrically neutral particles found in the atomic nucleus, and their count can vary for different isotopes of the same element due to differences in atomic mass.