Chapter 30.1, Problem 3PP

To determine

To calculate: Number of neutrons in a nucleus of an isotope of oxygen.

Answer to Problem 3PP

Number of neutrons in a nucleus of an isotope of oxygen is $7$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Atomic Mass number of an isotope of oxygen $\left(A\right)=15$

Formula Used:The formula to calculate the number of neutrons is given by,

Number of Neutrons $=A-Z$

Where,

  $A$ : Atomic mass number

  $Z$ : Atomic number

Calculation:

For an isotope of oxygen there are $8$ protons in the nucleus of oxygen,

Thus, Atomic number $\left(Z\right)=8$

Number of neutron in an isotope of oxygen can be calculated as,

Number of Neutrons $=A-Z$

Substituting the values in above formula,

  $\begin{array}{l}=A-Z\\ =15-8\\ =7\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Number of neutrons in a nucleus of an isotope of oxygen is $7$