To determine which options could be an isotope of bromine (Br), let's first remember what defines an isotope. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (denoted by [tex]\(Z\)[/tex]) but different numbers of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers (denoted by [tex]\(A\)[/tex]). Bromine has an atomic number [tex]\(Z = 35\)[/tex].
Let's analyze each option provided:
1. [tex]\(Z=79, A=196\)[/tex]:
- The atomic number [tex]\(Z=79\)[/tex] corresponds to gold (Au) on the periodic table, not bromine which has [tex]\(Z=35\)[/tex].
- Therefore, this cannot be an isotope of bromine.
2. [tex]\(Z=35, A=79\)[/tex]:
- The atomic number [tex]\(Z=35\)[/tex] corresponds to bromine.
- The mass number [tex]\(A=79\)[/tex] indicates a possible isotope of bromine.
- Therefore, this could be an isotope of bromine.
3. [tex]\(A=79, N=44\)[/tex]:
- The mass number [tex]\(A\)[/tex] is given as 79.
- The number of neutrons [tex]\(N\)[/tex] is 44.
- We can use the relationship [tex]\(A = Z + N\)[/tex] to find the atomic number [tex]\(Z\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
Z = A - N = 79 - 44 = 35
\][/tex]
- Since [tex]\(Z=35\)[/tex] corresponds to bromine, this configuration would indicate another isotope of bromine.
- Therefore, this could be an isotope of bromine.
4. [tex]\(Z=44, N=44\)[/tex]:
- The atomic number [tex]\(Z=44\)[/tex] corresponds to ruthenium (Ru) on the periodic table, not bromine which has [tex]\(Z=35\)[/tex].
- Therefore, this cannot be an isotope of bromine.
To summarize, the options that could be isotopes of bromine are:
- [tex]\(Z=35, A=79\)[/tex]
- [tex]\(A=79, N=44\)[/tex]
These configurations satisfy the requirement of having the atomic number [tex]\(Z=35\)[/tex], the characteristic of bromine, thus making them valid isotopes.
