Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

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The mass of an atom is primarily contributed by its?

  1. Electrons

  2. Nucleus

  3. Protons only

  4. Neutrons only

The correct answer is: Nucleus

The mass of an atom is primarily contributed by its nucleus. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which are significantly heavier than electrons. Protons and neutrons each have a mass of about 1 atomic mass unit (amu), while electrons have a negligible mass (approximately 1/1836 of an amu) in comparison. Since the vast majority of an atom's mass comes from the combined mass of the protons and neutrons located in the nucleus, this is why the nucleus is identified as the main contributor to atomic mass. The collective weight of the nucleus determines the element's atomic weight on the periodic table, making it crucial to understanding atomic composition.