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Multiple Choice
How many neutrons are present in the isotope lithium-7?
A
3
B
4
C
7
D
5
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number (Z) of lithium, which is the number of protons. For lithium, Z = 3.
Recognize that the isotope notation lithium-7 means the mass number (A) is 7. 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: \(N = 7 - 3\), which gives the number of neutrons in lithium-7.