Nucleon Number (Noun)
Meaning
The sum of the number of neutrons and protons in an atomic nucleus.
Classification
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure.
Examples
- The nucleon number of hydrogen-1 is one, consisting of one proton and no neutrons.
- The atomic mass of an atom is approximately equal to its nucleon number.
- To find the nucleon number, a scientist typically measures the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
- Carbon-12, consisting of six neutrons and six protons, has a nucleon number of twelve.
- An element with a nucleon number over 83 is unlikely to be stable due to the instability of its nucleus.