To determine which element has the least number of neutrons in its nucleus, we’ll use the formula:
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Mass Number} - \text{Atomic Number} \][/tex]
Let’s calculate the number of neutrons for each given element:
1. Aluminum
[tex]\[ \text{Mass Number} = 27 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Atomic Number} = 13 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 27 - 13 = 14 \][/tex]
2. Nitrogen
[tex]\[ \text{Mass Number} = 14 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Atomic Number} = 7 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 14 - 7 = 7 \][/tex]
3. Helium
[tex]\[ \text{Mass Number} = 4 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Atomic Number} = 2 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 4 - 2 = 2 \][/tex]
4. Fluorine
[tex]\[ \text{Mass Number} = 19 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Atomic Number} = 9 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 19 - 9 = 10 \][/tex]
Now, let’s compile the number of neutrons for each element:
- Aluminum: 14 neutrons
- Nitrogen: 7 neutrons
- Helium: 2 neutrons
- Fluorine: 10 neutrons
Comparing these values, we find that Helium has the least number of neutrons, with only 2 neutrons in its nucleus.
Therefore, the element with the least number of neutrons is Helium.
