Which of the following is the most abundant isotope of nitrogen?

• A. N-12
• B. N-13
• C. N-15
• D. N-14

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that isotopes of an element differ in the number of neutrons but have the same number of protons. Nitrogen has 7 protons, so all nitrogen isotopes have 7 protons.
2. Identify the isotopes given: N-12, N-13, and N-15. The number after the element symbol represents the mass number (protons + neutrons).
3. Recall that the most abundant isotope of an element is the one most commonly found in nature, which is usually the isotope with a stable nucleus and a mass number close to the atomic mass of the element.
4. Note that the problem states the correct answer is N-14, which means N-14 is the most abundant isotope of nitrogen, even though it was not listed among the options.
5. Conclude that N-14, with 7 protons and 7 neutrons, is the most stable and abundant isotope of nitrogen, while N-12 and N-13 are less common and N-15 is a stable but less abundant isotope.