A Radioactive Nuclide That Is Used To Label Blood Platelets Has 49 Protons And 62 Neutrons. Which Is The Symbol Of This Nuclide?A. { { } {62}^{49} \text{In}$}$ B. { { } {49}^{62} \text{In}$}$ C. [${ }_{111}^{49}
Introduction
In the field of chemistry, particularly in nuclear chemistry, understanding the symbols of radioactive nuclides is crucial for identifying and working with these isotopes. A nuclide is a specific atom with a unique number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. In this article, we will explore how to determine the symbol of a radioactive nuclide, using a specific example to illustrate the process.
The Basics of Nuclide Symbols
A nuclide symbol consists of three main parts:
- Atomic Number (Z): This is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. It is denoted by a subscript number before the element's symbol.
- Mass Number (A): This is the total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom. It is denoted by a superscript number before the element's symbol.
- Element's Symbol: This is the chemical symbol of the element, represented by a single letter or a combination of letters.
The Example: A Radioactive Nuclide with 49 Protons and 62 Neutrons
Let's consider a radioactive nuclide with 49 protons and 62 neutrons. To determine its symbol, we need to follow these steps:
- Determine the Atomic Number (Z): Since the nuclide has 49 protons, its atomic number is 49.
- Determine the Mass Number (A): The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons, which is 49 (protons) + 62 (neutrons) = 111.
- Determine the Element's Symbol: The element with atomic number 49 is Indium (In).
Constructing the Nuclide Symbol
Now that we have the atomic number (49), mass number (111), and element's symbol (In), we can construct the nuclide symbol:
{{ }_{49}^{111} \text{In}$}$
Comparing the Options
Let's compare our constructed symbol with the given options:
A. {{ }{62}^{49} \text{In}$}$ B. {{ }{49}^{62} \text{In}$}$ C. {{ }_{111}^{49} \text{In}$}$
Our constructed symbol matches option C, which is {{ }_{111}^{49} \text{In}$}$.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to determine the symbol of a radioactive nuclide, we need to follow these steps:
- Determine the atomic number (Z) by counting the number of protons.
- Determine the mass number (A) by summing the number of protons and neutrons.
- Determine the element's symbol by looking up the element with the corresponding atomic number.
By following these steps, we can construct the nuclide symbol and identify the radioactive isotope.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When working with nuclide symbols, it's essential to avoid common mistakes:
- Incorrect Atomic Number: Make sure to count the number of protons correctly.
- Incorrect Mass Number: Ensure that the mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons.
- Incorrect Element's Symbol: Double-check the element's symbol by looking up the element with the corresponding atomic number.
Real-World Applications
Understanding nuclide symbols has numerous real-world applications in various fields, including:
- Nuclear Medicine: Radioactive isotopes are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
- Radiation Detection: Nuclide symbols are used to identify and detect radioactive materials.
- Nuclear Power: Understanding nuclide symbols is crucial for operating and maintaining nuclear power plants.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored how to determine the symbol of a radioactive nuclide using a specific example. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can construct the nuclide symbol and identify the radioactive isotope. Remember to avoid common mistakes and apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored how to determine the symbol of a radioactive nuclide using a specific example. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to nuclide symbols and radioactive isotopes.
Q: What is the difference between atomic number and mass number?
A: The atomic number (Z) is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom, while the mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom.
Q: How do I determine the atomic number of an element?
A: To determine the atomic number of an element, you need to count the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. This can be done by looking up the element's symbol in a periodic table.
Q: What is the significance of the element's symbol in a nuclide symbol?
A: The element's symbol represents the chemical element of the nuclide, and it is denoted by a single letter or a combination of letters.
Q: Can a nuclide have the same atomic number as another element?
A: Yes, a nuclide can have the same atomic number as another element, but it will have a different mass number due to the presence of a different number of neutrons.
Q: How do I determine the mass number of a nuclide?
A: To determine the mass number of a nuclide, you need to sum the number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom.
Q: What is the difference between a radioactive isotope and a stable isotope?
A: A radioactive isotope is an atom that decays spontaneously, while a stable isotope is an atom that does not decay.
Q: Can a nuclide be both radioactive and stable?
A: No, a nuclide cannot be both radioactive and stable at the same time. If a nuclide is radioactive, it will decay, and if it is stable, it will not decay.
Q: How do I determine if a nuclide is radioactive or stable?
A: To determine if a nuclide is radioactive or stable, you need to look up the nuclide's half-life in a reference table or database. If the half-life is finite, the nuclide is radioactive; if the half-life is infinite, the nuclide is stable.
Q: What is the significance of the half-life of a nuclide?
A: The half-life of a nuclide is the time it takes for half of the nuclide's atoms to decay. It is a measure of the nuclide's stability and is used to determine the nuclide's radioactivity.
Q: Can a nuclide's half-life be affected by external factors?
A: Yes, a nuclide's half-life can be affected by external factors such as temperature, pressure, and radiation. However, these effects are typically small and can be neglected in most cases.
Q: How do I determine the energy released during a nuclear reaction?
A: To determine the energy released during a nuclear reaction, you need to calculate the difference in mass between the reactants and products. This can be done using the equation E = mc^2, where E is the energy released, m is the mass difference, and c is the speed of light.
Q: What is the significance of the energy released during a nuclear reaction?
A: The energy released during a nuclear reaction is a measure of the reaction's exothermicity and is used to determine the reaction's feasibility and potential applications.
Conclusion
In this article, we addressed some of the most frequently asked questions related to nuclide symbols and radioactive isotopes. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of these topics and has helped you to answer some of the questions you may have had.