Which property is used to differentiate atoms of various elements based on the total mass of their protons and neutrons in the nucleus?
Atomic mass
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, and each of these particles contributes almost equally to the total mass of the atom.
Atomic number counts only the number of protons, while valency describes the combining capacity of an atom, so neither reflects total nuclear mass.
Atomic mass is defined as the combined mass of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus, and it is this property that is used to distinguish atoms of different elements by mass.
Hence, the correct answer is atomic mass.
Similar Questions
According to Bohr’s model, electrons revolve around the nucleus in:
Two isotopes of chlorine are present in nature: chlorine-35 and chlorine-37. Which statement best explains their chemical behavior?
What defines two elements as isobars?
Atoms of different elements with different ___________ numbers but the same ______ number are known as isobars.
In Rutherford’s α-particle scattering experiment, the conclusion that most of the atom is empty space was drawn because:
Which statement about mass number is correct?
Which of the following best represents the characteristic properties of isotopes?
Which of the following correctly describes a proton?
Which of the following correctly defines the mass number of an atom?
Imagine a scientist is analyzing an unknown atom and finds it has a mass number of 24 and an atomic number of 12. If the atom gains two neutrons due to a nuclear reaction, what will be its new mass number?
Important Questions from Structure of Atom
- How many moles of He atoms are present in its 20 u mass ?
Which of the following electron transition in hydrogen atom will require largest amount of energy?
A species having 8 electrons in the third shell is very reactive while the other species having 8 electrons in the third shell is very inactive they are :
Which of the following is the general formula for saturated hydrocarbons?
Which one of the following is the average atomic mass of chlorine atom?
