Which of the following is the correct name for the silicon isotope with a mass number of 32?

• A. silicon-46
• B. silicon-32
• C. silicon-14
• D. silicon-153

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, which results in different mass numbers.
2. Recall that the mass number of an isotope is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
3. Identify the element silicon, which has an atomic number of 14, meaning it has 14 protons.
4. Given the mass number is 32, the isotope is named by combining the element name with the mass number, written as 'silicon-32'.
5. Verify that the correct isotope name matches the mass number given, so the correct name for the silicon isotope with mass number 32 is 'silicon-32'.