The sum of the mass of 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons will be _____ the mass of a ²³Na atom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sum of the mass of 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons is greater than the mass of a Na (Sodium) atom due to the mass defect caused by the binding energy that holds the nucleus together. This energy, according to Einstein's E=mc^2, effectively reduces the mass of the nucleus from the sum of its constituent particles.

The Sum of the Mass of 11 Protons, 12 Neutrons