How many neutrons are present in the most abundant isotope of lead?

• A. 82
• B. 204
• C. 126
• D. 208

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number (Z) of lead, which is the number of protons. For lead, Z = 82.
2. Determine the mass number (A) of the most abundant isotope of lead. The problem suggests the isotope with mass number 208 is the most abundant.
3. Recall that the number of neutrons (N) in an isotope is given by the difference between the mass number and the atomic number: \(N = A - Z\).
4. Substitute the values into the formula: \(N = 208 - 82\).
5. Calculate the difference to find the number of neutrons in the most abundant isotope of lead.