What information could you use to determine the atomic number of an unknown element

that has a mass number of 22?

O

A. number of ions

B. number of isotopes

C. number of neutrons

O

D. number of electrons

The mass of an atom is based on the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.

The correct answer is option C.

Explanation:

Atomic number (Z) = Total number of protons present in a nucleus of an atom.

Atomic mass (M) = Sum of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus

M = Z + Total number of neutrons

If we are given with mass number of an element and we are said to determine the atomic number of the compound:

22 = Z + Total number of neutrons

Z = 22 - Total number of neutrons

We will require total number of neutrons to determine the atomic number of an unknown element that has a mass number of 22.