Name of element – mass #
Ex. Potassium – 40
This would be an atom of potassium with a mass number of 40
19 protons (because the atomic # is always 19 for potassium)
21 neutrons (40-19 = 21)
Mass #Symbol
Ex. 40K
Note: Nuclear notation can also include the atomic # below the mass #, but this isn’t essential since the identity of the element allows you to determine the atomic #.
Mass #Symbol
Atomic #
Sure! Let’s break down the example of potassium and apply it to another element for clarity.
Let’s take Carbon as an example.
1. Name of Element – Mass #: Carbon – 12
– This represents an atom of carbon with a mass number of 12.
– Carbon has an atomic number of 6 (which means it has 6 protons).
2. Calculating Neutrons:
– Neutrons = Mass number – Atomic number
– Neutrons = 12 – 6 = 6
3. Mass # Symbol:
– This can be written in nuclear notation as:
– 12C
To summarize for Carbon:
– Mass # Symbol: 12C
– Atomic #: 6
This notation means that this carbon atom has a mass number of 12 with 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
Feel free to ask about another element or if you have further questions!