If an atom has 15 protons and a mass number of 31, how many neutrons does it have?

Study for the GMAS 8th Grade Science Test. Utilize interactive quizzes and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare yourself effectively!

Multiple Choice

If an atom has 15 protons and a mass number of 31, how many neutrons does it have?

Explanation:
Mass number tells you the total count of particles in the nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons. If there are 15 protons and the mass number is 31, subtract the protons from the mass number to find the neutrons: 31 minus 15 equals 16. So the atom has 16 neutrons. This also shows why isotopes differ: the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons change the mass number.

Mass number tells you the total count of particles in the nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons. If there are 15 protons and the mass number is 31, subtract the protons from the mass number to find the neutrons: 31 minus 15 equals 16. So the atom has 16 neutrons. This also shows why isotopes differ: the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons change the mass number.

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