What term denotes the total number of nucleons in the nucleus of an isotope?

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Multiple Choice

What term denotes the total number of nucleons in the nucleus of an isotope?

Explanation:
Mass number denotes the total number of nucleons (protons plus neutrons) in the nucleus. It is the sum Z + N, so for isotopes of the same element the atomic number (number of protons) stays the same while the neutron count varies, causing the mass number to differ. This is why the mass number is the term used for the total nucleons. The atomic number is specifically the count of protons, and while nucleon number can be used in some contexts, the standard term here is mass number.

Mass number denotes the total number of nucleons (protons plus neutrons) in the nucleus. It is the sum Z + N, so for isotopes of the same element the atomic number (number of protons) stays the same while the neutron count varies, causing the mass number to differ. This is why the mass number is the term used for the total nucleons. The atomic number is specifically the count of protons, and while nucleon number can be used in some contexts, the standard term here is mass number.

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