Question

If a nucleus has `44` positively charged, massive particles, and `62` neutral, massive particles, what is the nucleus, and how do we represent it?

Answer 1

We gots `""^106Ru`..........

Explanation:

Ruthenium metal has `Z=44`. What does this mean? It means that element we call ruthenium has 44 massive, formally positively charged particles in its nucleus, `"44 protons"`, and that number defines the nucleus as ruthenium.

How did I know this? Well I have access to Periodic Table, so I simply looked it up. If you are doing your chemistry or fysics homework there should be a Periodic Table near at hand to you. No one expects you to memorize the Table, tho you do have to learn how to use it. A simple copy of the Periodic Table should also be made available to you in every examination of chemistry and physics you ever sit. You cannot be expected to memorize `Z` numbers. You ARE expected to be able to use them, and know what they represent.

We have accounted for 44 of the massive particles in the ruthenium nucleus. The remainder `106-44=62` MUST represent the number of `"neutrons"`, massive, formally NEUTRAL particles, in the element's nucleus. At impossibly short nuclear distances, protons and neutrons engage in the strong nuclear force, which here is strong enuff to overcome the repulsive electrostatic force, and bind the nucleus together.

Certain isotopes, such as this one, are unstable, and they can be used, as here, in nuclear medicine.

How many electrons in a `""^106Ru` atom? You should be able to answer `"pdq"`.