If we have a sample of silicon $(Si)$ atoms that has 14...
Answer (2)
The isotope of silicon most likely referred to in the question is silicon-14, which has 14 protons and is the most common and stable isotope of silicon. Other isotopes like silicon-32 and silicon-46 exist but are less prevalent and have radioactive properties. Therefore, the answer is silicon-14.
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The question asks for the name of a silicon isotope.
Silicon always has 14 protons, and the isotope name is 'silicon-' followed by its mass number (protons + neutrons).
Analyze the options: silicon-14, silicon-32, silicon-46, silicon-153.
Based on the question's structure and the given options, the most plausible answer is s i l i co n − 14 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis The question asks us to identify the name of a specific silicon isotope from the given options. The options are silicon-14, silicon-32, silicon-46, and silicon-153.
Understanding Isotope Naming The name of an isotope consists of the element name followed by its mass number. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. Silicon (Si) always has 14 protons. The question is incomplete because it does not provide enough information to determine the number of neutrons in the isotope. However, we can analyze the options provided.
Analyzing the Options Since the question is incomplete, we must assume that the isotope name is directly provided in the question. Therefore, the name of the silicon isotope is silicon-14, silicon-32, silicon-46, or silicon-153, depending on the specific isotope in question. Without additional information, we cannot determine which of these is the correct name. The question states 'If we have a sample of silicon ( S i ) atoms that has 14 -- 1 + c d o t s ....'. This seems to indicate that the mass number might be related to the number 14. However, without a clear relationship, we cannot definitively choose an answer.
Determining the Answer Given the options, we must choose the one that represents a valid silicon isotope. Silicon has 14 protons. The mass number (number after 'silicon-') is the sum of protons and neutrons. Therefore, the mass number must be at least 14. All the options (14, 32, 46, 153) are greater than or equal to 14, so they are all potentially valid. Without more information, we cannot determine which is the specific isotope. However, if the question is hinting at the number 14, then 'silicon-14' might be the intended answer.
Final Answer Based on the available information and the structure of the question, the most plausible answer is silicon-14.
Examples
Isotopes are used in various fields, such as medicine for cancer treatment (radiotherapy) and in archaeology for carbon dating. For example, carbon-14 ( 14 C ) is a radioactive isotope of carbon used to determine the age of organic materials. Similarly, different isotopes of silicon can be used in semiconductor research to study the behavior of silicon in different electronic devices. Understanding isotopes helps scientists to analyze and manipulate materials at the atomic level.
