Chapter 17.3, Problem 19R

To determine

To Find: The number of particles inside the nucleuscopernicium.

Answer to Problem 19R

The most stable isotope of copernicium is ${}^{285}\text{Cn}$ and it contains 285 particles inside its nucleus (112 protons + 173 neutrons).

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The nucleus is the hardest part of the atom which contains positive charge. Protons and neutrons are present inside the nucleus of the atom.

Copernicium has five isotopes. Out of which, the most stable isotope is ${}^{285}\text{Cn}$ that consists has the half-life of 50 seconds. This isotope has 112 protons and 173 neutrons, therefore, total 285 particles are present inside the nucleus of this isotope.

Conclusion:

  ${}^{285}\text{Cn}$ is the isotope of Copernicium and 285 particles are present in its nucleus.