Question

The future you synthesizes a new element. A neutral atom of the element, say 'X', has 4 electrons and 2 neutrons. How will you represent the nucleus of the element in your award-winning paper?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

The atomic number, $Z$, is equal to the number of protons, which is equal to the number of electrons, as the atom is neutral. So, $Z=4$.

Also, the mass number, A, is given as $N+Z$, where N is the number of neutrons. So, $A=N+Z=2+4=6$. And, the nucleus is represented as ${}_Z^{A}X$ so, this nucleus is represented as ${}_4^{6}X$