Question

this table compares two atoms. use the information provided to determine the values that complete the table.
composition of two isotopes
isotope
atomic number a) d)
mass number 32 e)
number of protons 16 f)
number of neutrons b) 24
number of electrons c) 20

Explanation:

Step1: Determine atomic number and electrons for sulfur - 32

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons. For sulfur - 32, the number of protons is 16, so the atomic number (a) is 16. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. So the number of electrons (c) for sulfur - 32 is 16.

Step2: Calculate neutrons for sulfur - 32

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. For sulfur - 32, mass number = 32, protons = 16. Using the formula \(n=\text{Mass number}-p\) (where \(n\) is neutrons and \(p\) is protons), we have \(b = 32 - 16=16\)

Step3: Determine values for calcium - 44

The atomic number of calcium is 20 (from the periodic table). So (d) is 20. The mass number (e) is the sum of protons and neutrons. Given neutrons = 24 and protons (f) = 20 (since atomic number = number of protons for a neutral atom), then \(e=20 + 24=44\)

Answer:

a) 16, b) 16, c) 16, d) 20, e) 44, f) 20