Concept explainers
Interpretation:
The terms
Concept introduction:
The total number of protons in an atom is said to be its atomic number. Atomic number is denoted by “Z”.
The total number of neutrons and protons of an atom is said to be its mass number. By using the total number of protons and neutrons all the atoms can be identified. Mass number is denoted by “A”.
An atom is always said to be neutral. Therefore for the charge to remain neutral the total number of electrons must be equal to total number of protons and hence, the atomic number is same as the total number of electrons.
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