The atomic mass, also known as the atomic weight, is the average mass of all the isotopes of an element, taking into account their relative abundances. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of a specific isotope of an element.
The atomic mass can be greater than the mass number because it considers the weighted average of all the isotopes of an element, taking into account their varying abundances. Some isotopes might have more neutrons, making them slightly heavier, and if they are present in higher proportions, they contribute more to the overall atomic mass. This can result in the atomic mass being slightly higher than the mass number of the most common isotope.
Assertion :Actual atomic mass is greater than mass number. Reason: Mass of protons and neutrons is measured in daltons or atomic mass unit (u) but the mass of each neutron and proton is slightly greater than 1 dalton.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Explanation:
The atomic mass, also known as the atomic weight, is the average mass of all the isotopes of an element, taking into account their relative abundances. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of a specific isotope of an element.
The atomic mass can be greater than the mass number because it considers the weighted average of all the isotopes of an element, taking into account their varying abundances. Some isotopes might have more neutrons, making them slightly heavier, and if they are present in higher proportions, they contribute more to the overall atomic mass. This can result in the atomic mass being slightly higher than the mass number of the most common isotope.
Answer:
Assertion :Actual atomic mass is greater than mass number. Reason: Mass of protons and neutrons is measured in daltons or atomic mass unit (u) but the mass of each neutron and proton is slightly greater than 1 dalton.