BACK TO mass-number

mass number vs. atomic mass

noun
  1. the integer nearest in value to the atomic weight of an atom and equal to the number of nucleons in the nucleus of the atom. Symbol: A
[ uh-tom-ik mas ]
noun
  1. the mass of an isotope of an element measured in units formerly based on the mass of one hydrogen atom taken as a unit or on 1/16 (0.0625) the mass of one oxygen atom, but after 1961 based on 1/12 (0.0833) the mass of the carbon-12 atom.