Question

In the mass-defect expression \[\Delta M=[Zm_p+(A-Z)m_n]-M\], what does \(m_p\) represent?

Options

• Mass of one neutron

• Mass of one proton

• Actual mass of the nucleus

• Mass number

Answer 1

In the mass-defect formula, \(m_p\) denotes the mass of one proton. The factor \(Z\) multiplies this mass to account for the protons.