The atomic number of nitrogen is 7. Nitrogen-15 has a greater mass number than nitrogen-14 because the atomic nucleus of nitrogen-15 contains ________.
A) 7 neutrons
B) 8 neutrons
C) 8 protons
D) 15 protons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrogen-15 has a greater mass number since it contains 8 neutrons in addition to the 7 protons that all nitrogen atoms have. Nitrogen-14 has only 7 neutrons, making it lighter than nitrogen-15. Option A and C are incorrect because they both refer to the number of protons and neutrons in nitrogen-7, not nitrogen-15. Option D suggests a nucleus containing 15 protons, which would not be nitrogen but another element entirely.

The Atomic Number of Nitrogen Is 7