mass number

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noun Physics.

the integer nearest in value to the atomic weight of an atom and equal to the number of nucleons in the nucleus of the atom. Symbol: A

Origin of mass number

First recorded in 1920–25

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British Dictionary definitions for mass number

mass number

noun

the total number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of a particular atomSymbol: A Also called: nucleon number

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

mass number in Science

mass number

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. For example, nitrogen has 7 protons and 7 neutrons in its nucleus, giving it a mass number of 14. Isotopes of elements are distinguished by their mass number; for example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 have mass numbers of 12 and 14 respectively. Also called nucleon number Compare atomic mass atomic weight.