M_n and M_p represent mass of neutron and proton respectively. If an element having atomic mass M has N-neutron and Z-proton, then the correct relation will be

(a) M < [NM_n + ZM_p]

(b) M> [NM_n + ZM_p]

(c) M = [NM_n + ZM_p]

(d) M = N[M₀ + Mp]

(a)

Given: Mass of neutron = Mn

Mass of proton = M_p;

Atomic mass of the

element = M; Number of neutrons in the

element = N and number of protons in the

element = Z. We know that the atomic mass (M) of any stable nucleus is always less than the sum of the masses of the constituent particles.

Therefore, M < [NM_n + ZM_p].