Chapter 4.3, Problem 31LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number represent in the isotope $\text{platinum-194}$ are to be identified.

Concept introduction: Isotopes are the elements having same atomic number but different mass numbers. An element can have two or more isotopes.

Answer to Problem 31LC

The number represented in the isotope $\text{platinum-194}$ is the mass number of the given isotope platinum.

Explanation of Solution

Isotopes are the elements that have the same atomic number but differ in the count of mass number.

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 isotopes are usually represented by the mass number of the element.

In $\text{platinum-194}$ , the number $\text{194}$ represents the mass number of platinum while its atomic number is $78$ .