Atomic mass is defined as the sum of which particles?

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Study for the Georgia High School Physical Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed hints and explanations included. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Atomic mass is defined as the sum of which particles?

Explanation:
Atomic mass comes from the nucleus, where the protons and neutrons live. The mass of electrons is so small compared with that of protons and neutrons that it doesn’t noticeably add to the total mass. So the atom’s mass is essentially the sum of its protons and neutrons—the total number of nucleons in the nucleus. In a more precise sense, there is a tiny difference due to binding energy (the mass defect), and isotopes have different neutron counts, but for basic understanding, atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons.

Atomic mass comes from the nucleus, where the protons and neutrons live. The mass of electrons is so small compared with that of protons and neutrons that it doesn’t noticeably add to the total mass. So the atom’s mass is essentially the sum of its protons and neutrons—the total number of nucleons in the nucleus. In a more precise sense, there is a tiny difference due to binding energy (the mass defect), and isotopes have different neutron counts, but for basic understanding, atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons.

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