Question

The nucleon number of atom X is 37. It exists as a diatomic molecule X2. One molecule of X2 contains 34 protons. How many neutrons are present in the nucleus of atom X?

Answer 1

3 neutrons are present in the nucleus of atom X.

Answer 2

Given,

The nucleon number of an atom X = 37

Number of protons in one molecule of X2 = 34

To find,

The number of neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom X.

Solution,

We can simply solve this numerical problem by using the following process:

Let us assume that the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom X is n.

As per the principles of atomic structure;

The nucleon number of an atom = number of protons + number of neutrons

{Equation-1}

Now, according to the question;

Number of protons in one molecule of X2 = 34

=> 2 atoms of X contain 34 protons

=> 1 atom atoms of X contain 34/2, that is 17 protons

{Equation-2}

Now, according to the question;

The nucleon number of an atom X = 37

=> number of protons in one atom of X + number of neutrons in one atom of X = 37

(using equation-1)

=> 17 + n = 37

=> n = 20

Hence, a single atom of X contains 20 neutrons in its nucleus.