Chapter 4, Problem 4STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The atom that is composed of 16 protons, 16 electrons, and 16 neutrons is to be identified.

Concept Introduction : The number of protons and the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number of the element. The number of neutrons is the difference between the mass number and the number of protons.

Answer to Problem 4STP

Correct answer:Option (C)

The atom that is composed of 16 protons, 16 electrons, and 16 neutrons is ${}_{16}^{32}\text{S}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

The count of protons present in the nucleus of the atom gives the atomic number (Z).

The count of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of the atom gives the mass number (A).

The general representation symbol of an element is given as ${}_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}\text{X}$ .

Where, $\text{X}$ is the element, $\text{Z}$ is the atomic number, and $\text{A}$ is the atomic number.

The given number of protons is 16, so the atomic number of the element is also 16.

The element with atomic number 16 is Sulphur. Its symbol is $\text{S}$ .

The given number of neutrons is 16. The mass number is given as:

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{Mass number}\text{=}\text{Number of protons}+\text{Number of neutrons}\\ \text{=16}\text{+}\text{16}\\ \text{=}\text{32}\end{array}$

According the general representation of the element, the symbol is given as ${}_{16}^{32}\text{S}$ .

So, option (C) is the correct answer.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options:

Option (A): Since the number of protons and neutrons are 16, 16 respectively, the mass number would be 32, not 48.

Option (B): Since the number of protons is 16, the element will be Sulphur. In the option, the element is Germanium.

Option (D): The general representation of the element is wrong. The atomic number should be at subscript while the mass number should be at superscript.