Question 19 of 42intermediate🔧 ApplyShort Answer3 marks

Solve this riddle: I am an atom with a mass number of 23 and 11 protons. I am a soft metal and react vigorously with water. Who am I and how many neutrons do I have? You can also create one such riddle.

Correct Answer

(Number of neutrons) 12

(Riddle) I am an atom with a mass number of 7 and 3 protons. Who am I and how many neutrons do I have?

(Who am I) Sodium

Exercise: Pause and Ponder | Q: 16 | (Page 13)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The atom has 11 protons, which means its atomic number is 11. Based on the riddle's description of being a soft metal that reacts vigorously with water, the element is Sodium.

To find the number of neutrons, we use the formula: Mass number = Number of protons + Number of neutrons. Substituting the given values: 23 = 11 + Number of neutrons. Therefore, the atom has 12 neutrons.

Here is a similar riddle: I am an atom with a mass number of 7 and 3 protons. Who am I and how many neutrons do I have? (Answer: Lithium, 4 neutrons).

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the element using the number of protons (atomic number = 11) and its properties (Sodium).

  2. Step 2: Calculate the number of neutrons using Mass number = Protons + Neutrons; 23 = 11 + Neutrons; Neutrons = 12.

  3. Step 3: Create a riddle using data from the context, such as Lithium (3 protons, mass number 7).