Two atoms are defined as "isotones" if they possess the exact same number of neutrons. If a hypothet — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question
Question
Two atoms are defined as "isotones" if they possess the exact same number of neutrons. If a hypothetical atom ${}_{8}^{x}X$ is known to be isotonic with the nuclide ${}_{9}^{17}Y$, what is the mass number ($x$) of atom $X$?
Answer: 16
💡 Solution & Explanation
The number of neutrons in ${}_{9}^{17}Y$ is $17 - 9 = 8$. For atom $X$ to be isotonic, it must also contain 8 neutrons. Given its atomic number is 8, its mass number $x$ must be protons + neutrons = $8 + 8 = 16$.
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