If an atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, what are its atomic number and mass number?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

If an atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, what are its atomic number and mass number?

Explanation:
The key idea is that the atomic number equals the number of protons, while the mass number equals the total number of protons and neutrons. With 6 protons, the atomic number is 6. With 6 neutrons added, the mass number becomes 6 + 6 = 12. So the atom has atomic number 6 and mass number 12 (carbon-12). The other possibilities would require a different number of protons or a different total of protons and neutrons, which doesn't match the given information.

The key idea is that the atomic number equals the number of protons, while the mass number equals the total number of protons and neutrons. With 6 protons, the atomic number is 6. With 6 neutrons added, the mass number becomes 6 + 6 = 12. So the atom has atomic number 6 and mass number 12 (carbon-12). The other possibilities would require a different number of protons or a different total of protons and neutrons, which doesn't match the given information.

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