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The MASS NUMBER of an element tells you. __ the relative MASS of the NUCLEUS of one atom of the element [NEITHER of these] the total number of NEUTRONS and PROTONS in the NUCLEUS of one atom of the element [BOTH of these]

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The MASS NUMBER of an element tells you. __ the relative MASS of the NUCLEUS of one atom of the element [NEITHER of these] the total number of NEUTRONS and PROTONS in the NUCLEUS of one atom of the element [BOTH of these]

The MASS NUMBER of an element tells you. __ the relative MASS of the NUCLEUS of one atom of the element [NEITHER of these] the total number of NEUTRONS and PROTONS in the NUCLEUS of one atom of the element [BOTH of these]

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RowenaProfessional · Tutor for 6 years

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[BOTH of these]

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Here, we are evaluating two potential descriptors of what the mass number of an element can refer to. <br /><br />We first take the assertion that the mass number of an element tells us the "relative mass of the nucleus of that element". While it is in fact true that the nucleus contains nearly all the mass of the atom to which it belongs because neutrons and protons—the particles of the nucleus—are significantly heavier than the electrons that orbit it, the statement "relative mass" lacks clarity. The mass number does not offer relative information, but gives an exact count of nuclear particles, specifically protons and neutrons.<br /><br />The statement "the mass number of an element tells you the total number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of an atom of the them element" accurately reflects our conventional understanding of what the mass number is: a count of an atom's protons and neutrons.<br /><br />Putting these pieces of associative logic together, the more explicit and time-tested descriptor of mass numbers is found in the second statement. Yet, being cognizant of the truth in the first statement—the significant bearing of the nucleus's mass—it isn't really a question of choosing one over the other, but recognizing the depth of understanding embedded in this more detailed descriptor in the second.<br /><br />Thus, to accurately detail the realities of mass numbers when considering both stipulations simultaneously, it is safe to say that both option one and option two embody intrinsic truths coupled with nuance.<br /><br />Thereby, we can decidedly state the resolution of the problem as both of these job descriptions being fruitful understandings of what a mass number represents.<br />So, finally we get the accurate answer that:
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