Question: Using the periodic table found in the inside back cover, we can get some idea of how the number of neutrons increases compared to the

Using the periodic table found in the inside back cover, we can get some idea of how the number of neutrons increases compared to the number of protons as the atomic number increases. By rounding the atomic weight to the nearest whole number, we can estimate the total number of nucleons (neutrons and protons).
a. What are the neutron and proton numbers for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O)?
b. What is the ratio of neutrons to protons for the stable isotopes of these three elements? (Ratio Nn/Np)
c. Taking three elements near the middle of the table, silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), and indium (In), find the number of neutrons and protons for each the same way.
d. Compute the ratio of neutrons to protons for the elements in part c and find the average ratio.
e. Repeat the process of parts c and d for thorium (Th), protactinium (Pa), and uranium (U).
f. Compare the ratios of parts b, d, and e. Can you see why there are extra neutrons when uranium or thorium undergo fission?

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a From the periodic table the atomic number of carbon C atom is 6 and mass number is 12 Therefore the number of protons is 6 and the number of neutrons is 6 From the periodic table the atomic number of Nitrogen N is 7 and the mass number is 14 Therefore the number of protons in nitrogen is 7 and the number of neutrons is 7 The atomic number of oxygen 0 is 8 and the mass number is 16 Therefore the number protons in oxygen are Band the number of neutrons is 8 b The ratio of neutrons and protons for stable carbon isotope is N n N p 66 1 The ratio of neutron ... View full answer

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