Question

which of the following atoms has the fewest neutrons? they all have an equal number of neutrons. nitrogen-14 has the fewest neutrons. nitrogen 16 has the fewest neutrons. nitrogen-15 has the fewest neutrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall neutron - proton relationship

The number of neutrons ($n$) in an atom is given by $n = A - Z$, where $A$ is the mass number and $Z$ is the atomic number. Nitrogen has an atomic number $Z = 7$.

Step2: Calculate neutrons for each isotope

For nitrogen - 14 ($A = 14$), $n_{14}=14 - 7=7$. For nitrogen - 15 ($A = 15$), $n_{15}=15 - 7 = 8$. For nitrogen - 16 ($A = 16$), $n_{16}=16 - 7=9$.

Answer:

B. Nitrogen - 14 has the fewest neutrons.