Answer:
atomic number
Explanation:
The mass number (A) of an element is obtained by summing the number of neutrons and protons (nucleons) in the atom of that element. However, the proton number of an element is its atomic number (Z). Hence, it can be said that:
mass number = no. of neutrons + atomic number/number of protons.
According to this question, an isotope of oxygen is said to have a mass number of 17. If the neutron number of this isotope is given as 9, then this means that its ATOMIC NUMBER or no. of protons of that isotope is (17 - 9) = 8.
