A monatomic ion has a charge of +2 . The nucleus of the parent atom has a mass number of \(55 .\) If the number of neutrons in the nucleus is 1.2 times that of the number of protons, what is the name and symbol of the element?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The element is Iodine, with the symbol 'I'

Step by step solution

01

Determine the number of protons

First, it is crucial to know that the charge of a monatomic ion represents the difference between the number of protons and electrons. Since this ion has a charge of +2, it means that there are two more protons than electrons. Hence, the number of protons should be the atomic number in a neutral atom (protons = electrons). This information allows the calculation of the atomic (proton) number as \(A = Z + 2\), with A as the given mass number and Z as the atomic number that we want to determine. Substituting the given A value: \(55 = Z + 2 \rightarrow Z = 55 - 2 = 53\).
02

Verification of the atomic structure

Having determined Z, we now verify the given atomic structure in terms of the number of neutrons. The exercise stated that the number of neutrons is 1.2 times that of the number of protons. Taking Z = 53, the number of neutrons would then be \(1.2 * 53 = 63.6\). Since the number of neutrons must be a whole number, it is reasonable to consider 64 as the rounded-off number of neutrons. The sum of Z and the number of neutrons should be equal to the mass number \(A = 55\), which is inconsistent with the calculated number of neutrons, implying an error or approximation. Therefore, the provided atomic structure does not match with the calculated number of protons and neutrons.
03

Identify the element

The element can be identified using the determined atomic number (Z = 53). Elements are uniquely defined by their atomic number, i.e., their number of protons. Looking up Z = 53 in a periodic table, one finds the element Iodine, symbol 'I'.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free