How is the mass number calculated for an atom involved in nuclear fusion?


AIt is the number of protons plus electrons.
BIt is the number of electrons.
CIt is the number of neutrons.

Verified Answer :

Final answer:

The mass number in nuclear fusion is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Electrons are not included in this calculation as they have negligible mass. For instance, helium has a mass number of 4 due to its 2 protons and 2 neutrons.


Explanation:

Understanding Mass Number in Nuclear Fusion

In nuclear fusion, the mass number of an atom is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons together. This total represents the nucleus of the atom and is crucial in understanding nuclear reactions.

To break it down:

  1. The mass number is not determined by the number of electrons, as they have negligible mass and are found outside the nucleus.
  2. The formula is as follows: Mass Number = Number of Protons + Number of Neutrons.

For example, a helium atom, which is often involved in fusion, has 2 protons and 2 neutrons, giving it a mass number of 4 (2 + 2 = 4).


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