Chapter 1, Problem 23P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of protons, neutrons and electrons in the isotope of americium ²⁴¹Am needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: The atomic number is equal to the number of protons and number of electrons present in an atom.

It is denoted by symbol Z. Thus,

  $Z=n_p=n_e$

The mass number is equal to sum of number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of atom. It is denoted by symbol A. Thus,

  $A=n_p+n_n$