Question

We can represent atoms by listing the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons-;for example, 2p⁺, 2n⁰, 2e^-for helium. Which of the following represents the ¹⁸O isotope of oxygen?

(A) 7p⁺,2n⁰, 9e^-

(B) 8p⁺,10n⁰, 8e^-

(C) 9p⁺,9n⁰, 9e^-

(D) 10p⁺,8n⁰, 9e^-

Short answer

(A) The statement “7p⁺, 2n⁰, 9e^-” is false.

(B) The statement “8p⁺, 10n⁰, 8e^-” is true.

(C) The statement “9p⁺, 9n⁰, 9e^-” is false.

(D) The statement “10p⁺, 8n⁰, 9e^-” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Isotopes are the elements that differ in mass number due to the variation in the neutron number. These elements possess the same chemical properties.

The combination of protons, neutrons, and electrons is not relatable to the given oxygen isotope. The number of protons is given as seven, which does not match with the oxygen molecule.

Thus, “7p⁺, 2n⁰, 9e^-” is not the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons present in the oxygen isotope.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The number of protons is given aseight, along with the number of neutrons given as ten,which results in 18. This count of 18 coincides with themass number of oxygen isotopes given in the question. The number of electrons is eight,which is equal to several protons.

Thus, “8p⁺, 10n⁰, 8e^-” is the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons present in the oxygen isotope.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

The number of protons given is nine, and the number of neutrons is nine.

The sum of these protons and neutrons result in a mass number of 18. This

mass corresponds to an element like arsenic.

Thus, “9p⁺ 9n⁰, 9e⁺” is notthe number of protons, neutrons, and electrons present in the oxygen isotope.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The number of protons is ten, and the numbers of electrons are eight. The number of electrons is not equal to the number of protons.

Thus, “10p⁺,8n⁰, 9e^-” is not the correct listing of several protons,

neutrons and electrons.

Therefore, the given statement is false.