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The mass number of a nucleus is:

1. sometimes less than and sometimes more than its atomic number
2. always less than its atomic number
3. always more than its atomic number
4. sometimes equal to its atomic number

Correct answer: sometimes less than and sometimes more than its atomic number

Solution

The mass number of a nucleus is the sum of protons and neutrons, while the atomic number is the number of protons. Since neutrons can vary, the mass number can be greater than, equal to, or less than the atomic number depending on the isotope.

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