Use this isotope to answer the following questions:
${}_{82}^{208} Pb$
How many protons does lead-208 have?
Answer (2)
The number of protons is given by the subscript in the isotope notation.
Identify the subscript in 82 208 P b as 82.
Therefore, lead-208 has 82 protons.
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are given the isotope 82 208 P b and asked to find the number of protons.
Understanding Isotope Notation The number of protons is given by the subscript Z in the isotope notation Z A X , where X is the element symbol, Z is the atomic number (number of protons), and A is the mass number (number of protons + number of neutrons).
Identifying the Number of Protons In this case, the subscript is 82. Therefore, lead-208 has 82 protons.
Final Answer Thus, the number of protons in lead-208 is 82 .
Examples
Understanding the number of protons in an atom is crucial in nuclear chemistry and physics. For example, when studying radioactive decay, knowing the number of protons helps predict the resulting element after alpha or beta decay. In medicine, radioactive isotopes like lead-208 are used in imaging techniques, and understanding their atomic structure is essential for safe and effective application. This knowledge forms the foundation for understanding more complex nuclear reactions and applications.
Lead-208 has 82 protons, as indicated by the subscript in its isotope notation. The number of protons is essential in defining the element. Thus, lead-208 has oxed{82} protons.
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