An atom of Sodium has 11 protons and a mass number of 13. How many neutrons does it have?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 11, 2016

It would have 2 neutrons. This isotope would be extremely unlikely, and if not extremely short-lived.

Explanation:

The mass number is the sum of the massive nuclear particles, the protons and the neutrons. This source relates that the lightest sodium isotope is #""^18Na#. You might find #""^13Na# as an extremely short-lived isotope in a nuclear reactor - it would undoubtedly be screaming hot.

Related questions
See all questions in Basic Atomic Structure
Impact of this question
7228 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License