Question

Choose the appropriate pair of atoms that contain the same number of subatomic particles.

a) ¹³₆C and ¹³₇N

b) ¹⁷₃₇Cl and ¹⁸₃₆​Ar

c) ¹⁸₈O and ¹⁹​₉F

d) ¹³₃​Li and ¹³​₃Li

Answer 1

The correct pair of atoms that contain the same number of subatomic particles is option d) ¹³³Li and ¹³⁵³Li, as they have the same atomic number and mass number.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to choose the appropriate pair of atoms that contain the same number of subatomic particles. To determine this, we must consider the atomic number (number of protons) and the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons). Two atoms that have the same number of protons, neutrons, and electrons are known as isobars. In the given options:

• Option a) ¹³⁶C and ¹³⁷N have different numbers of protons.
• Option b) ¹⁷₃₇Cl and ¹⁸₃₆Ar have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
• Option c) ¹⁸₈O and ¹⁹ₓF have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
• Option d) ¹³³Li and ¹³⁵³Li have the same atomic number and mass number, hence the same number of subatomic particles.

Therefore, the correct answer is option d) ¹³³Li and ¹³⁵³Li.