How many neutrons are present in the isotope nitrogen-14 (N-14)?

• A. 7
• B. 8
• C. 6
• D. 9

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number (Z) of nitrogen, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. For nitrogen, Z = 7.
2. Recognize that the isotope notation nitrogen-14 (N-14) indicates the mass number (A), which is the total number of protons and neutrons, is 14.
3. Use the relationship between mass number, protons, and neutrons: \(A = Z + N\), where \(N\) is the number of neutrons.
4. Rearrange the formula to solve for neutrons: \(N = A - Z\).
5. Substitute the known values: \(N = 14 - 7\), which gives the number of neutrons in nitrogen-14.