Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 2

The atomic number of one particular isotope is equal to its mass number. Which isotope is it?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Hydrogen-1 (protium)

Step by step solution

01

Understanding atomic number and mass number

The atomic number (Z) of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. The mass number (A) of an isotope is the total number of protons and neutrons (N) in its nucleus. Mathematically, we can express it as A = Z + N.
02

Finding an isotope with equal atomic number and mass number

In this exercise, we are looking for an isotope where the atomic number (Z) is equal to its mass number (A). This means A = Z, or Z + N = Z, which implies that the number of neutrons (N) must be 0. The only element with 0 neutrons is hydrogen-1, also known as protium. Protium has 1 proton and 0 neutrons.
03

Conclusion

The isotope with the atomic number equal to its mass number is hydrogen-1 (protium).

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.

Start your free trial

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

Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain how materials that absorb neutrons are used to control nuclear fission chain reactions.

There is much more uranium- 235 in a typical nuclear power plant than there was in the bomb that destroyed the city of Hiroshima. Why can't the reactor explode like an atomic bomb?

Why is a nuclear fusion reaction so difficult to induce?

Why is magnetic confinement being used in fusion research?

A standard treatment for some cancers inside the body is to use nuclear radiation to kill cancer cells. If the radiation has to pass through normal tissue before reaching the cancer, why would alpha radiation not be a good choice?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Read Explanation

Electricity and Magnetism

Read Explanation

Energy Physics

Read Explanation

Torque and Rotational Motion

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation

Magnetism

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free