Question

question 1 of 30 view policies current attempt in progress given the following information, determine which two elements are isotopes. number of protons = 15; number of neutrons = 16 mass number = 32; number of neutrons = 17 mass number = 32; number of protons = 16

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the definition of isotopes

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. First, find the number of protons and neutrons for each case.
For the first case: Protons = 15, Neutrons = 16.
For the second case: Protons = Mass number - Neutrons = 32 - 17=15, Neutrons = 17.
For the third case: Protons = 16, Neutrons = Mass number - Protons = 32 - 16 = 16.

Step2: Compare the number of protons and neutrons

The first and the second cases have the same number of protons (15) but different numbers of neutrons (16 and 17 respectively).

Answer:

The first and the second elements are isotopes.