Chapter 4, Problem 29QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The statement “a particular element consists of several isotopes” should be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The atoms of same element with different mass number or atomic mass are called isotopes. They have same number of protons and electrons but different number of neutrons. Therefore, it is not necessary the all atoms of a given element contain the same number of neutrons in their nuclei. For example, hydrogen has three isotopes${\text{H}}^{\text{1}}{\text{, H}}^{\text{2}}{\text{, H}}^{\text{3}}$ with 0, 1 and 2 neutrons in their nuclei respectively.

The atomic symbol notation is as follows:

${\text{Atomic Symbol}}^{\text{Charge},+/-}$

Here A = mass number which is equal to the total number of protons + number of neutrons, Z = atomic number of any element which is also indicates Number of protons or number of electrons in the given atom.

The charge of an ion is showed by + or − sign on the right side super script.