Question

Write the atomic symbol for the isotope of bismuth with 125 neutrons.

Answer 1

First, isotopes are the atoms of a single element whose nuclei have a different number of neutrons, and therefore, differ in mass numbers. You should know that atoms are formed by a nucleus that has a small size and is made up of protons and neutrons. The nucleus is surrounded by a cloud of electrons, which are found in a region of the atom called the cortex.

The mass number, represented as A, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. On the other hand, the atomic number (Z) is the number of protons that exist in the nucleus.

The isotopes of an element X are represented as follows,

(see first attached picture)

It should be noted that the number of neutrons of a chemical element can be calculated as the difference A-Z.

The atomic and mass numbers of bismuth with 125 neutrons are:

Z = 83

A = 83 + 125 = 208

Thus, the atomic symbol of the bismuth isotope with 125 neutrons is:

(see second attached picture)