Question

1. a scientist discovers three particles with the following properties:

• particle x: 8 protons, 8 neutrons, 8 electrons
• particle y: 8 protons, 9 neutrons, 8 electrons
• particle z: 8 protons, 8 neutrons, 10 electrons

which conclusion can the scientist draw about the relationship between these particles?
x and y are isotopes; z is an ion of the same element as x and y
x and z are isotopes; y is an ion of the same element as x and z
y and z are isotopes; x is an ion of the same element as y and z
all three particles are ions of different elements with similar properties

Explanation:

Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. An ion has a different number of electrons compared to protons. Particle X and Y have the same number of protons but different neutrons, so they are isotopes. Particle Z has the same number of protons as X and Y but a different number of electrons, so it is an ion of the same element as X and Y.

Answer:

A. X and Y are isotopes; Z is an ion of the same element as X and Y