Question

What information does the atomic mass of an element provide

Answer 1

Answer: The atomic mass tells us about the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Explanation:

There are 3 subatomic particles present in an atom. They are: protons, electrons and neutrons.

• Protons: They carry positive charger and are found in nucleus.
• Electrons: They carry negative charge and are found around the nucleus.
• Neutrons: They dos not carry any charge and are found in nucleus.

Atomic number is defined as the number of protons or electrons that are present in a neutral atom. It is represented by the symbol 'Z'

Atomic number = number of protons = number of electrons

Atomic mass is defined as the sum of number of protons and neutrons that are present in an atom.  It is represented by the symbol 'A'

Atomic mass = Number of protons + Number of neutrons

Hence, the atomic mass tells us about the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.