How is the mass number calculated for an atom involved in nuclear fusion?
A. It is the number of protons.
B. It is the number of protons plus neutrons.
C. It is the number of protons plus electrons.
D. It is the number of electrons.
B. It is the number of protons plus neutrons.
The correct answer is B. The mass number of an atom involved in nuclear fusion is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the atom's nucleus. The protons and neutrons together contribute to the mass of the atom, while the electrons, which are located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, have negligible mass compared to the protons and neutrons.
To calculate the mass number for an atom involved in nuclear fusion, we need to understand what the mass number represents. The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
In nuclear fusion, atoms combine to form new atoms. Let's say we have two atoms involved in the fusion process. Each atom would have its own set of protons and neutrons.
So, to find the mass number of the atom involved in nuclear fusion, you would add the number of protons and neutrons from both atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is B: It is the number of protons plus neutrons.