What are the number of protons, neutrons, and mass number of the radioisotope?
The number of protons is equal to the atomic number, which is 102 in this case. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons, so it's 102 (protons) + 149 (neutrons) = 251. Therefore, option B, which provides the numbers 102, 149, and 251, respectively, is the correct answer.
Understanding Radioisotopes
Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes of an element that spontaneously decay, emitting energy in the form of radiation. They have applications in medicine, industry, and scientific research due to their ability to undergo radioactive decay.
Number of Protons, Neutrons, and Mass Number
Protons: The number of protons in an atom is equal to its atomic number. In the case of the given radioisotope, the number of protons is 102.
Neutrons: Neutrons are particles found in the nucleus of an atom that do not have an electrical charge. The number of neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the number of protons from the mass number. For the radioisotope provided, the number of neutrons is 149.
Mass Number: The mass number of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons. In this case, it is 102 (protons) + 149 (neutrons) = 251.
Radioisotopes play a crucial role in various fields, from medical imaging to carbon dating. Understanding their properties, such as the number of protons, neutrons, and mass number, is essential for utilizing them effectively in different applications.