Question

1. write the nuclear symbols for both atoms: 9) explain why they are or are not isotopes of each other: beanium lab

Explanation:

Step1: Recall nuclear symbol format

The nuclear symbol is written as $_{Z}^{A}X$, where $Z$ is the atomic number (number of protons, $p$) and $A$ is the mass - number (sum of protons and neutrons, $p + n$).

Step2: Determine atomic number for both atoms

Both atoms have 5 protons, so $Z = 5$. The element with atomic number 5 is boron (B).

Step3: Calculate mass - number for first atom

For the first atom with 5 protons ($p$) and 5 neutrons ($n$), $A_1=p + n=5 + 5 = 10$. Its nuclear symbol is $_{5}^{10}B$.

Step4: Calculate mass - number for second atom

For the second atom with 5 protons ($p$) and 6 neutrons ($n$), $A_2=p + n=5+6 = 11$. Its nuclear symbol is $_{5}^{11}B$.

Step5: Recall isotope definition

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Step6: Check if they are isotopes

The two atoms have the same number of protons (5) but different numbers of neutrons (5 and 6). So they are isotopes.

Answer:

1. First atom: $_{5}^{10}B$, Second atom: $_{5}^{11}B$
2. They are isotopes because they have the same number of protons (5) but different numbers of neutrons (5 and 6).