Question

Molybdenum has an atomic number of 42. Several common isotopes exist, with mass numbers from 92-100. Therefore, which of the following can be true?A) Molybdenum atoms can have between 50 and 58 neutrons.

B) Molybdenum atoms can have between 50 and 58 protons.
C) Molybdenum atoms can have between 50 and 58 electrons.
D) Isotopes of molybdenum have different numbers of electrons.

Answer 1

Option A is correct because isotopes of Molybdenum can have between 50 and 58 neutrons, calculated by subtracting the constant atomic number from the varying mass numbers. Options B and D are incorrect, and C is misleading.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic number of Molybdenum is 42, which indicates that each atom has 42 protons. Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons they contain, while the number of protons remains constant. For isotopes of Molybdenum with mass numbers ranging from 92-100, we can find the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number (protons) from the mass number. The number of neutrons will therefore be 92 - 42 = 50 to 100 - 42 = 58.

Given these calculations, option A) Molybdenum atoms can have between 50 and 58 neutrons is correct. Option B) is incorrect because all isotopes of Molybdenum have 42 protons. Option C) is misleading: while a neutral atom would indeed have the same number of protons and electrons, the phrasing suggests variability in electron count due to isotopes, which is not the case. Option D) is incorrect, as isotopes vary in neutrons, not electrons, when considering neutral atoms.

Answer 2

Answer: The true statement is that Molybdenum atoms can have between 50 and 58 neutrons

Step-by-step explanation:

Step by step

I) Recall that Atomic number = Number of protons

So, Molybdenum with atomic number of 42 = 42 Protrons

II) Also, recall that Mass number = Number of protons + number of neutrons;

So, if Molybdenum mass number is 92,

then Neutrons = 92 - 42 = 50

III) If Mass number is 100,

then Neutrons = 100 - 42 = 58

So, Molybdenum atoms can have between 50 and 58 neutrons