Question

a radioactive nuclide is used to detect eye tumors. an atom of this radionuclide contains 15 protons, 15 electrons, and 17 neutrons. which is symbol of this radionuclide?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the atomic number

The atomic number \(Z\) is equal to the number of protons. Given there are 15 protons, so \(Z = 15\).

Step2: Calculate the mass number

The mass number \(A\) is the sum of protons and neutrons. \(A=15 + 17=32\).

Step3: Write the nuclide symbol

The nuclide symbol is written as \(\ce{^{A}_{Z}X}\), where \(X\) is the chemical symbol. For \(Z = 15\) (phosphorus, \(P\)), \(A = 32\), the symbol is \(\ce{^{32}_{15}P}\).

Answer:

\(\ce{^{32}_{15}P}\) (the third option in the given choices)