Chapter 30.1, Problem 2PP

To determine

To calculate: Number of neutrons in an atom of mercury isotope.

Answer to Problem 2PP

Number of neutrons in an atom of mercury isotope is $120$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Atomic mass number in an atom of mercury $\left(A\right)=200$

Atomic number of mercury $\left(z\right)=80$

Formula Used:

The formula to calculate the number of neutrons is given by,

Number of Neutrons $=A-Z$

Where,

  $A$ : Atomic mass number

  $Z$ : Atomic number

Calculation:

Number of neutron in an atom of mercury isotope can be calculated as,

Number of Neutrons $=A-Z$

Substituting the values in above formula,

  $\begin{array}{l}=A-Z\\ =200-80\\ =120\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Number of neutrons in an atom of mercury isotope is $120$ .