Question

The nucleus of an atom X contains 16 neutrons and carries a total charge of Q = 15. Determine the atomic number (2) and mass number (A) of atom X. Given: Relative charge of one proton=1*

Answer 1

The atomic number (Z) of atom X is 15, determined by its charge, and the mass number (A) is 31, found by adding the number of neutrons (16) to the atomic number (Z).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the atomic number (Z) and mass number (A) of atom X, which contains 16 neutrons and carries a total charge of Q = 15, we use the following information:

The atomic number (Z) is equivalent to the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Since the charge of an atom is equal to the number of protons, in this case, Z = 15. The mass number (A) is the sum of the number of protons (Z) and the number of neutrons (N), expressed as A = N + Z. Hence, for atom X, the mass number (A) would be A = 16 + 15 = 31.

Therefore, the atomic number of atom X is 15, and the mass number is 31.