3.10 Video: Prof. Dave - Nuclide Symbols

What subatomic particle primarily determines the identity of an element?

• Electrons

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Atomic mass units

An atom contains 6 protons and 8 neutrons. What is its mass number?

• 6

• 8

• 14

• 2

What distinguishes isotopes of the same element from each other?

• A different number of protons

• A different electrical charge

• A different number of neutrons

• A different atomic number

If a neutral atom gains an electron, what will be its overall electrical charge?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• It becomes an isotope

How is the average atomic mass determined and why is it NOT a whole number?

• The average atomic mass is determined by the number of protons in an atom.
• Average atomic mass is always a whole number because it represents the most common isotope.
• The average atomic mass is a weighted average of isotopes' masses and is not a whole number due to varying isotope masses and abundances.
• The average atomic mass is calculated by adding all atomic masses together.