Give the nuclear symbol for the isotope of phosophorus for which A=31
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The nuclear symbol for the isotope of phosphorus with A = 31 can be written as: 1531P\text{ }^{31}_{15}\text{P} 1531P
Explanation:
- Atomic number (Z): The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which is unique for each element. For phosphorus, the atomic number is 15. This means phosphorus has 15 protons in its nucleus. In the nuclear symbol, the atomic number is placed as a subscript before the element symbol, so we write 15.
- Mass number (A): The mass number refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an isotope. In this case, the mass number is given as A = 31. Therefore, the mass number is placed as a superscript before the element symbol, so we write 31.
- Isotope notation: The element symbol P stands for phosphorus, which has the atomic number 15. Thus, for phosphorus-31, we represent it as 31 P.
Phosphorus Isotopes:
- Phosphorus typically has several isotopes, with the most stable and common one being phosphorus-31 (31P). This isotope contains 15 protons and 16 neutrons (since 31 – 15 = 16).
- Other isotopes of phosphorus, like phosphorus-32 (32P), exist, but phosphorus-31 is the most stable and abundant in nature.
In summary, the nuclear symbol for the isotope of phosphorus with A = 31 is 31P, where the atomic number (15) is subscripted and the mass number (31) is superscripted. This notation clearly communicates both the element and its specific isotope.
