Question

What is the nuclide symbol and nuclide name described by the following particle: 92 protons and 146 neutrons?

Answer 1

Uranium-238.

Explanation:

In order to find the identity of the nuclide, you need to know two things

• the atomic number of the atom
• the mass number of the atom

The atomic number, `Z`, is given by the number of protons present inside the nucleus, so you can say that your nuclide has an atomic number equal to `92`.

The mass number, `A`, is given by the number of protons and neutrons present inside the nucleus.

`color(blue)(ul(color(black)(A = Z + "no. of neutrons")))`

In your case, the mass number of the nuclide is equal to

`A = 92 + 146 = 238`

Now, isotope notation makes use of the atomic number and the mass number of the nuclide.

The identity of the nuclide is given by the atomic number, so grab a periodic table and look for the element that has `Z = 92`.

This element is uranium, `"U"`. To write the name of the nuclide, add the mass number after the name of the element

uranium-238

Consequently, you can say that the nuclide symbol will be

`""_(color(white)(1)92)^238"U" ->` uranium-238