Question

a scientist is studying two isotopes of sodium, labeled a and b. in isotope a, each of the atoms has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons. what could be the atomic structure of isotope b? a. 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 10 electrons b. 12 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons c. 11 protons, 13 neutrons, and 11 electrons d. 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 12 electrons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall isotope definition

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Step2: Analyze given isotope A

Isotope A of sodium has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons.

Step3: Check each option

• Option A: Has same neutrons as A, not an isotope.
• Option B: Has different number of protons, not sodium.
• Option C: Has 11 protons (same as A) and 13 neutrons (different from A), correct.
• Option D: Has same neutrons as A, not an isotope.

Answer:

C. 11 protons, 13 neutrons, and 11 electrons