Calculating the mass number for an atom requires that we know the atomic number and the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus. The mass number then gives us the average weight of atoms of a given element. However, as long as the number of protons equals the number of neutrons, the values balance out and we always obtain a whole number for the mass number.
The highlighted elements of the periodic table belong to the alkali metal element family. The alkali metals are recognized as a group and family of elements. These elements are metals. Sodium and potassium are examples of elements in this family.
, where k is a constant