(a) Which two of the following are isotopes of the same element: 31 16 X, 31 15 X, 32 16 X?

everyone in this example. We need to select which statement below is So we want to recognize that in each choice were given various isotopes and we want to recall that isotopes are going to have the same atomic number as a neutral atom. So we want to recall that our atomic number in an isotope symbol where X represents our element and Z represents. Our atomic number is going to be located in the left hand side where a in the left hand superscript is representative representative of our mass number or atomic mass. And so we want to go ahead and find the pair in our answer choices that have the same left hand script or the same atomic number. So we can already rule out choices B. As well as choice C. Because we can see that they both have different Atomic numbers. We have an atomic number of 28 And an atomic number of 27. And then for choice see we have an atomic number of 28 and an atomic number of 29. Which are not the same where they should be the same. Did have an ice. We also would recognize in choice A. That we actually have the same atomic number 28. For both of our isotopes we have an isotope of X 58 and an isotope 64. They both have the same atomic number 28. And so we would verify that the only correct statement statement A which states that X 58 X 64 are isotopes of the same, which is definitely a valid. So we would rule out all other choices confirming that choice A is the final answer. If you have any questions, please leave them down below. Otherwise, I'll see everyone in the next practice video.

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

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Brown 15th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 26a

Chapter 2, Problem 26a

(a) Which two of the following are isotopes of the same element: ³¹₁₆X, ³¹₁₅X, ³²₁₆X?

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Identify the atomic number of each isotope, which is the subscript number (the number of protons) in the isotope notation.

Recognize that isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number but different mass numbers (the superscript number).

Compare the atomic numbers of the given isotopes: ³¹₁₆X, ³¹₁₅X, and ³²₁₆X.

Determine which isotopes have the same atomic number, indicating they are isotopes of the same element.

Conclude that the isotopes with the same atomic number are isotopes of the same element.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This means they occupy the same position on the periodic table and have the same atomic number, but their mass numbers differ. For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon, differing in their neutron count.

Atomic Number and Mass Number

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element itself. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. In the notation <sup>A</sup><sub>Z</sub>X, A represents the mass number and Z represents the atomic number, helping to identify isotopes based on their mass differences.

Element Identification

Elements are identified by their atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons. Isotopes of the same element will have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. In the given question, identifying which isotopes belong to the same element involves comparing their atomic numbers to determine if they are the same.