An atom has 16 neutrons and 16 protons. What is its approximate atomic mass?

• A. 32 amu
• B. 8 amu
• C. 16 amu
• D. 48 amu

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of protons and neutrons in the atom. Here, the atom has 16 protons and 16 neutrons.
2. Recall that the atomic mass (in atomic mass units, amu) is approximately the sum of the number of protons and neutrons, since electrons have negligible mass.
3. Write the formula for atomic mass: \(\text{Atomic Mass} \approx \text{Number of Protons} + \text{Number of Neutrons}\).
4. Substitute the given values into the formula: \(\text{Atomic Mass} \approx 16 + 16\).
5. Add the numbers to find the approximate atomic mass of the atom.