Question

If an atom of Phosphorous has 17 neutrons, what is its mass number?

a) 31
b) 32
c) 15
D) 17

Answer 1

Mass number = number of protons + number of neutrons

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of phosphorus is equal to the atomic number of phosphorus, which is 15. If an atom of phosphorus has 17 neutrons, then the mass number would be 15 protons + 17 neutrons = 32. Thus, the correct answer choice here is B.