Question

Based on the information contained in the figure above, do you think that neon has any isotopes? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Based on the figure, Neon has an atomic number of 10 and a Mass number of 20.18. We must take note that the atomic number is equal to the number of protons, while the Mass number is equal to the number of protons PLUS neutrons, so:

number of protons = 10

protons + neutrons = 20.18

hence,

10 + neutrons = 20.18

number of neutrons = 10.18

 

A neutron can be a considered as a whole single atom so it cannot have a decimal. The only way that the number of neutrons is fractions is only when it is a combination of isotopes. So the answer is:

Yes, Neon has isotopes