Question

which of these is the correct nuclear notation of the isotope oxygen - 15?
a) 15o₈
b) ₈¹⁵o
c) 8o¹⁵
d) ₁₅⁸o

Explanation:

Step1: Recall nuclear notation rules

Nuclear notation has mass - number as superscript and atomic - number as subscript before the element symbol. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8. The isotope oxygen - 15 has a mass number of 15.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: $15_{O_8}$ is an incorrect notation.
• Option B: $^{15}_{8}O$ is correct as the mass number 15 is the superscript and the atomic number 8 is the subscript before the oxygen symbol O.
• Option C: $8O^{15}$ is an incorrect order of sub - and superscripts.
• Option D: $^{8}_{15}O$ has the atomic number and mass number in the wrong positions.

Answer:

B. $^{15}_{8}O$