An element in its solid phase has mass density 1750 kg/m^3 and number density 4.39×10^28 atoms/m^3. What is the element's atomic mass number?

Key Concepts

Mass Density

Mass density is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume, typically expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). It provides insight into how tightly matter is packed within a given space. In this question, the mass density of the solid phase of the element is given as 1750 kg/m³, which is crucial for determining the atomic mass number.

Number Density

Number density refers to the number of particles (atoms, molecules, etc.) per unit volume, usually expressed in particles per cubic meter (m⁻³). In this case, the number density of the element is provided as 4.39×10²⁸ atoms/m³. This concept is essential for relating the mass density to the atomic mass number, as it helps in calculating the mass contributed by each atom in the solid.

Atomic Mass Number

The atomic mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which determines the mass of the atom. It is a key factor in calculating the mass density of a substance when combined with the number density. By using the provided mass density and number density, one can derive the atomic mass number, which is fundamental in identifying the element's characteristics.