Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the mass number for an atom of calcium containing 20 protons and 25 neutrons?
A
45
B
44
C
45
D
25
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of protons in the calcium atom, which is given as 20. The number of protons defines the element and is also called the atomic number.
Identify the number of neutrons in the atom, which is given as 25. Neutrons contribute to the mass of the atom but do not affect the element identity.
Recall that the mass number (A) of an atom is the sum of the number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N):