A radioactive nuclide has 53 protons and 78 neutrons. Which is the symbol of this nuclide?
A. ${}_{78}^{53}X$
B. ${}_{53}^{78} Pt$
C. ${}_{76}^{131} Pt$
D. ${}_{53}^{131}X
Answer (1)
Determine the element symbol: With 53 protons, the element is Iodine (I).
Calculate the mass number: 53 e wl in e + 78 = 131 .
Write the nuclide symbol: 53 131 I .
The symbol of this nuclide is 53 131 I .
Explanation
Problem Introduction We are given a radioactive nuclide with 53 protons and 78 neutrons. Our goal is to determine the correct symbol for this nuclide, following the standard notation.
Identifying the Element The number of protons (53) defines the element. The element with 53 protons is Iodine (I). The number of protons is also the atomic number, which is written as a subscript to the left of the element symbol.
Calculating the Mass Number The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons. In this case, the mass number is 53 + 78 = 131 . The mass number is written as a superscript to the left of the element symbol.
Determining the Nuclide Symbol Therefore, the symbol of the nuclide is 53 131 I .
Final Answer The correct answer from the provided options is 53 131 I .
Examples
Understanding the structure of nuclides is crucial in various fields. For instance, in nuclear medicine, radioactive isotopes like Iodine-131 ( 53 131 I ) are used for thyroid treatments. Knowing the number of protons and neutrons helps scientists predict the stability and decay modes of these isotopes, ensuring safe and effective medical applications. This knowledge also extends to environmental science, where tracking radioactive contaminants requires precise identification of nuclides.
