Question

an isotope represented as s - 34: has 34 protons. contains exactly 18 neutrons. is an isotope of sodium. must have exactly 18 electrons. none of the above

Explanation:

• For S - 34 (sulfur - 34):
• Sulfur has an atomic number \(Z = 16\) (number of protons). So, it does not have 34 protons.
• The mass number \(A=34\). Using the formula \(A = Z + N\) (where \(N\) is the number of neutrons), \(N=A - Z=34 - 16 = 18\). But if the isotope is ionized (e.g., \(S^{2 -}\)), the number of electrons changes. In a neutral atom, number of electrons = number of protons = 16.
• The symbol \(S\) stands for sulfur, not sodium (\(Na\)).

Answer:

none of the above