Today, we are going to look at a question on Atomic Structure.
In any case that you have forgotten much about the fundamental concepts in this topic, do refer to my earlier post on a video for revision.
Question:
Carbon – 14 is a radioactive element and is commonly used in carbon dating by archaeologists.
Which of the following atoms / ions has both the same number of neutrons and the same number of electrons as an atom of carbon – 14?
A. 14N+
B. 17F+
C. 16O2+
D. 28Si
Interested question isn’t it? Perhaps you want to do it before you scroll down to look at the suggested solution. It’s quite easy in fact.
Suggested Solution:
First, we must understand that Nucleon (or Mass) No.= No. of Protons + No. of Neutrons
Next, it is important to know that for an atom, No. of Protons = No. of Electrons, since an atom is electrically neutral.
Carbon – 14 is an atom which has 6 electrons, 6 protons and 8 neutrons
(A) 14N+ is a positive ion which has 6 electrons, 7 protons and 7 neutrons
(B) 17F+ is a positive ion which has 8 electrons, 9 protons and 8 neutrons
(C) 16O2+ is a positive ion which has 6 electrons, 8 protons and 8 neutrons
(D) 28Si is an atom which has 14 electrons, 14 protons and 14 neutrons
As such, the answer to this question is option (C).
Hope you learned something useful today. Feel free to forward this post to your friends. 🙂