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QuizMultiple Choice

The Structure of the Atom — Quiz

Question 1 • 26-27 - C - RUSD Chemistry in the Earth System

An atom of element Be has four protons, four electrons, and five neutrons. Which element could be an isotope of this atom?

Answer
A
sodium-10
B
boron-9
C
beryllium-10
D
carbon-9

Explanation

Isotopes are atoms of the same element, so they must have the same number of protons, but can have different numbers of neutrons. Beryllium has four protons; the given atom has five neutrons, making its mass number 4 + 5 = 9. Beryllium-10 is still beryllium and therefore could be an isotope, with a different number of neutrons.

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