Nuclei with the same number of neutrons but different mass numbers are called isotones. Write the symbols of four isotones of ²³⁶Th.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of neutrons in the given isotope, 236Th (Thorium-236). The atomic number of Thorium (Th) is 90, which means it has 90 protons. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 236 - 90.
2. Calculate the number of neutrons in 236Th, which is 146. Isotones are nuclei that have the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons and mass numbers.
3. To find isotones of 236Th, look for other elements with 146 neutrons. Adjust the atomic number for each element you consider, and calculate the new mass number for each potential isotone using the formula: Mass number = Number of neutrons + Atomic number.
4. Choose elements with different atomic numbers than Thorium (90) and calculate their mass numbers to ensure they still have 146 neutrons. Common elements to consider are those close to Thorium in the periodic table, such as Uranium (U), Plutonium (Pu), and others.
5. Write the symbols for the isotones by combining the element symbol with the calculated mass number. For example, if Uranium (atomic number 92) is an isotone, its symbol with the appropriate mass number would be written as U-238.

Key Concepts

Isotones

Isotones are nuclei that have the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons, resulting in different elements. For example, if two isotones have the same neutron count but differ in their atomic mass, they represent different isotopes of different elements. Understanding isotones is crucial for identifying relationships between different atomic species based on their neutron composition.

Mass Number

The mass number of an atom is the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. It is an important identifier for isotopes and isotones, as it helps distinguish between different forms of an element. In the context of isotones, while the neutron count remains constant, the mass number varies due to differences in proton count, leading to different atomic identities.

Nuclear Notation

Nuclear notation is a way of representing isotopes and elements using symbols that include the element's chemical symbol, mass number, and atomic number. For example, the notation for thorium-236 is written as 236Th, where 236 is the mass number. This notation is essential for clearly communicating information about isotopes and isotones in nuclear chemistry.