Chapter 16, Problem 2TC

(a)

To determine

Ranking of the atoms from greatest to least by the number of neutrons in the nucleus of the atom.

Answer to Problem 2TC

The ranking of atoms N-14, C-12, C-14 by the number of protons in the nucleus of the atoms is C, A = B.

Explanation of Solution

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is same as the atomic number of the atom. The higher is the atomic number of the atom more is the protons in the nucleus of that atom.

The carbon-14 and carbon-12 are the isotopes of the carbon, so the number of protons in the nucleus of carbon-14 and carbon-12 are same. The number of protons in the nucleus of carbon atom is 6, so the number of protons in the nucleus of Carbon-14 and carbon-12 are also 6.

The atomic number of nitrogen is 7, so there will be 7 protons in the nucleus of N-14. The number of protons in the nucleus of N-14 is 7, and in C-12 and C-14 are 6, so the number of protons for nitrogen is greatest and least for C-12 and C-14.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the ranking of atoms N-14, C-12, C-14 by the number of protons in the nucleus of the atoms from greatest to least is C, A = B.