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Multiple Choice
How many neutrons are present in an isotope of selenium-83?
A
29
B
34
C
56
D
49
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number (Z) of selenium, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. Selenium has an atomic number of 34.
Recognize that the isotope notation selenium-83 means the mass number (A) is 83. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Use the relationship between mass number, protons, and neutrons: \(A = Z + N\), where \(N\) is the number of neutrons.
Rearrange the formula to solve for neutrons: \(N = A - Z\).
Substitute the known values: \(N = 83 - 34\), which gives the number of neutrons in selenium-83.