Chapter 4.3, Problem 21SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The number of neutrons in each isotope is to be calculated.

Concept Introduction : Atoms are divisible in nature. Subatomic particles are the fundamental particles formed by the breaking of atoms into smaller units.

The formula of neutrons is given as:

  $\text{Number}\text{of}\text{neutrons}\text{=}\text{mass}\text{number}-\text{atomic}\text{number}$

Answer to Problem 21SP

The number of neutrons in chromium-50, chromium-52, and chromium-53 are 26, 28, and 29 respectively.

Explanation of Solution

The three chromium isotopes are chromium-50, chromium-52, and chromium-53.

The atomic number of chromium is 24.

The mass number of chromium-50 is 50.

The mass number of chromium-52 is 52.

The mass number of chromium-53 is 53.

Neutrons are neutrally charged particles that are found inside the nucleus. The formula of neutrons is given as:

  $\text{Number}\text{of}\text{neutrons}\text{=}\text{mass}\text{number}-\text{atomic}\text{number}$

To calculate the number of neutrons in chromium-50, substitute the values in the above formula:

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{Number}\text{of}\text{neutrons}\text{=}\text{mass}\text{number}-\text{atomic}\text{number}\\ \text{=}\text{50}-24\\ =26\end{array}$

To calculate the number of neutrons in chromium-52, substitute the values in the above formula:

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{Number}\text{of}\text{neutrons}\text{=}\text{mass}\text{number}-\text{atomic}\text{number}\\ \text{=}\text{52}-24\\ =28\end{array}$

To calculate the number of neutrons in chromium-53, substitute the values in the above formula:

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{Number}\text{of}\text{neutrons}\text{=}\text{mass}\text{number}-\text{atomic}\text{number}\\ \text{=}\text{53}-24\\ =29\end{array}$

The number of neutrons in chromium-50, chromium-52 and chromium-53 are 26, 28, and 29 respectively.