Question

unit 2 cfa #1

1. what happens to silicon when a neutron is added to the nucleus?

a it becomes a different isotope of silicon.
b it becomes phosphorus.
c it becomes aluminum.
d it becomes negatively charged

Explanation:

• Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
• Adding a neutron to silicon's nucleus changes the neutron count but not the proton count (which defines the element). So it remains silicon but is a different isotope.
• Phosphorus and aluminum have different proton numbers than silicon.
• Adding a neutron (neutral particle) doesn't change the charge of the atom.

Answer:

A. It becomes a different isotope of Silicon.