Q. 5.57 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Detemine the number of protons and number of neutrons in the nucleus of each of the following: $(5.1)$

a. sodium-$25$

b. nickel-$61$

c. rubidium-$84$

d. silver-$110$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The number of protons and neutrons has been calculated in the nucleus.

a. $11$ protons and $14$ neutrons

b.  $28$ protons and  $33$ neutrons

c.  $37$ protons and $47$ neutrons

d.  $47$protons and $63$ neutrons

Step 1- Given Introduction & information

Meaning of protons and neutons:

Protons are a type of subatomic particle with a positive charge. Protons are bound by the strong nuclear force in the nucleus. 

Neutrons are a type of uncharged subatomic particle (neutral). 

a. Sodium has an atomic number of $11$, which means it has $11$ protons. The number of neutrons is obtained by subtracting  atomic number $11$ from mass number $25$. Therefore, sodium  $25$has $11$ protons and $14$ neutrons $(25-11)$.

Step 2- Explanation (part a)

b. The atomic number of Ni is $28$, which means that it has $28$ protons. The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting  atomic number $28$ from mass number $61$. Therefore, nickel-$61$ has $28$ protons and $33$ neutrons $(61-28) .$

Step 3 - Explanation (part b)

c.  Rubidium has an atomic number of $37$, which means it has $37$ protons. The number of neutrons is obtained by subtracting  atomic number $37$ from mass number $84$. Therefore, rubidium-$84$ has $37$ protons and $47$ neutrons $(84-37).$ 

Step 4- Explanation (part c)

d. The atomic number of silver is $47$, which means that it has $47$ protons. The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting atomic number $47$ from mass number $110.$ Therefore, silver $110$ has $47$ protons and $63$ neutrons $(110-47).$