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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 111

Hydrogen has three isotopes (1H, 2H, and 3H), and chlorine has two isotopes (35Cl and 37Cl). How many isotopic kinds of HCl are there? Write the formula for each, and state how many protons, neutrons, and electrons each contains.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the isotopes of hydrogen and chlorine: Hydrogen has three isotopes (\(^1\text{H}\), \(^2\text{H}\), \(^3\text{H}\)) and chlorine has two isotopes (\(^{35}\text{Cl}\), \(^{37}\text{Cl}\)).
Determine the possible combinations of hydrogen and chlorine isotopes to form HCl: Each hydrogen isotope can pair with each chlorine isotope, resulting in different isotopic kinds of HCl.
Calculate the number of isotopic kinds of HCl: Multiply the number of hydrogen isotopes (3) by the number of chlorine isotopes (2) to find the total number of isotopic combinations.
List the formula for each isotopic kind of HCl: \(^1\text{H}^{35}\text{Cl}\), \(^1\text{H}^{37}\text{Cl}\), \(^2\text{H}^{35}\text{Cl}\), \(^2\text{H}^{37}\text{Cl}\), \(^3\text{H}^{35}\text{Cl}\), \(^3\text{H}^{37}\text{Cl}\).
For each isotopic kind, determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons: Use the atomic number for protons and electrons, and subtract the atomic number from the mass number to find the number of neutrons.