Chapter 17, Problem 45A

To determine

The resultant element.

Answer to Problem 45A

The resultant element is lead.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Mercury is a metal that exist in a liquid form at room temperature. The chemical symbol of mercury is $Hg$ . The atomic number and mass number of mercury is $80\text{ and 200}$ respectively.

The addition of a pair of protons to the nucleus of mercury leads to formation of an element with atomic number $82$ and mass number $\text{202}$ . The element having atomic number $82$ is the lead. But the mass number of lead is $\text{207}$ . Thus the newly formed element with atomic number $82$ and the mass number $\text{202}$ is the lead isotope, $Pb-202$ .

Conclusion:

Therefore, the resultant element is lead.