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It is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of the element in question and so is always an integer. And, because we count in tens the number is a decimal integer.

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Q: Why is the atomic number a decimal number?
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How do you get the decimal in an atomic mass?

To get the decimal in an atomic mass, you divide the atomic mass number by 100. For example, if the atomic mass is 23, dividing by 100 would give you 0.23.


What does the decimal number in an element key represent?

atomic mass


Why atomic mass is always a whole number but atomic weight may be a decimal number?

Atomic mass is the total mass of protons and neutrons in an atom, which are whole numbers. Atomic weight, on the other hand, takes into account the abundance of different isotopes of an element, which can result in a weighted average that may be a decimal number.


in an element box what does the number with a decimal stand for?

The number with a decimal in an element box represents the average atomic mass of the element. It is calculated based on the abundance of each isotope of the element in nature.


Why do you not see whole number when you look up an elements atomic mass on a periodic table?

Because to find out the atomic mass of an element you have to subtract the number of protons with the number of neutrons and when you do so you get a decimal number.


Total number of protons and neutrons in the atom is?

The total number of neutrons in an atom is known as its atomic mass. The sum of all the atomic weights of isotopes of a particular element is known as an element's atomic weight. Atomic weights are decimal numbers for this reason.


How many protons does an atom with an atomic number of 82 and a mass number of 112.6 have?

An atom with an atomic number of 82 has 82 protons. The mass number of 112.6 represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, so subtracting the atomic number of protons gives the number of neutrons: (112.6 - 82 = 30.6) neutrons.


How you would calcualte the number of neutrons in potassium?

subtract the atomic number (#of protons, it's on ur periodic table) from the atomic mass (it's usually a decimal, also on ur periodic table.) this will give u the number of neutrons. the atomic mass is PROTONS + NEUTRONS


What would you do if you wanted to know the number of neutrons in an atom of a given element?

To find the number of neutrons in an atom of a given element, you would typically subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass of the element. The atomic mass is usually represented as the decimal number on the periodic table for each element.


What do whole numbers on the periodic table represent?

The whole number, the one at the top, above the element's symbol in the element box, is the atomic number. The atomic number is the number of protons per atom in that particular element. The bottom number, that is always a decimal, is the atomic mass.


What the distinction between atomic mass and atomic number?

Atomic mass refers to the total mass of the protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom, while atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Atomic mass is typically a decimal number and takes into account the mass of all the particles in an atom, whereas atomic number is always a whole number and is unique for each element.


What is the square root of the atomic number of helium?

Weird concept, but: Atomic number of helium is 2, so its square root is √2. √2 is an irrational number so only an approximate decimal expansion can be made: √2 ≈ 1.4142