What is the correct notation for determining the number of protons, neutrons, and the mass number of a radioisotope?
To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and the mass number of a radioisotope, you need to understand the notation used for isotopes. The notation is usually written as:
Element X - Atomic Number (number of protons) - Mass Number (number of protons + neutrons)
Analysis of the given options:
Option A: 149 protons, 102 neutrons, and 251 as the mass number. This notation is not valid as the number of protons is greater than the mass number.
Option B: 102 protons, 149 neutrons, and 251 as the mass number. This notation is also not valid as the number of neutrons is greater than the mass number.
Option C: 102 protons, 251 neutrons, and 353 as the mass number. This notation follows the typical format, where the number of protons is less than the mass number by the number of neutrons. This could be a valid notation for an element.
Option D: 149 protons, 251 neutrons, and 353 as the mass number. This notation also follows the typical format, where the number of protons is less than the mass number by the number of neutrons. This could also be a valid notation for an element.
Based on the analysis, neither option C nor option D represent a valid notation for a known element or isotope. It is possible that the options provided do not correspond to any real radioisotope, or there may be a mistake in the information provided.