Chapter 2, Problem 103AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

From the given data, the corresponding element and the number of neutrons in the neutral atom of the element has to be found.

Concept introduction:

The smallest constituent of matter is atom.  Each atom consist of subatomic particles called electrons, protons and neutrons.  Protons and neutrons are present in the nucleus and called nucleons.  A group of atoms having same number of protons are called as an element.

The atomic symbol for an element can be represented as ${}_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}\text{X}$

Where $\text{X}$ represents the symbol of the element, $\text{Z}$ represents the atomic number of the element and $\text{A}$ represents the atomic mass or mass number of the element.  Atomic number is the number of electrons present in an atom or the number of protons present in that atom. It is the main characteristic of an atom on which most of the properties are dependent.  Mass number is the sum of all the protons and neutrons present in the nucleus