Ch- 4 Structure of the Atom

Atom
Atoms are the basic units of matter, forming the foundation of all
substances in the universe. Comprising three subatomic particles—
protons, neutrons, and electrons—atoms exhibit unique properties based
on their composition. Protons, with a positive charge, and neutrons, which
are neutral, reside in the atom’s nucleus, while electrons, negatively
charged, orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells. This
intricate structure enables atoms to interact with one another, forming
the diverse array of elements and compounds observed in nature.
Cathode Ray Experiment
The Cathode Ray Experiment, conducted by J. J. Thomson, was a pivotal
scientific investigation that led to the discovery of electrons. In this
experiment, Thomson used a vacuum-sealed glass tube with electrodes at
each end: a cathode (negative electrode) and an anode (positive
electrode). When a high voltage was applied across the electrodes, a
beam of particles traveled from the cathode to the anode.
Thomson observed that regardless of the type of gas in the tube or the
material of the electrodes, the particles always moved in the same
manner, indicating they were fundamental constituents of atoms. These
particles were later identified as electrons, revealing that atoms were not
indivisible, but composed of smaller subatomic particles. This experiment
revolutionized our understanding of atomic structure and laid the
foundation for modern physics.

Electrons
Electrons are fundamental subatomic particles that carry a negative
electric charge within an atom. They are characterized by their negligible
mass, denoted as -1 charge, and represented by the symbol “e⁻”.
Electrons are exceptionally tiny in size and are located outside the
nucleus of an atom, where they move within specific energy levels or
orbitals. These negatively charged particles play a crucial role in
determining the chemical behavior and properties of atoms, as they
participate in various chemical reactions and interactions with other
atoms.
Thomson’s Model of an Atom

Thomson’s model of an atom, proposed by physicist J.J. Thomson in 1904,

is often referred to as the “plum pudding” model. According to this model,
the atom is envisioned as a uniform, positively charged sphere with
negatively charged electrons embedded within it, akin to plums in a
pudding. In this representation, the positive charge is spread out evenly
throughout the atom, while the electrons are scattered throughout the
positively charged sphere.
This model implies that the atom has no overall charge and seeks to
explain the stability of the atom despite the presence of negatively
charged electrons. However, later discoveries and experiments led to the
refinement of this model, ultimately paving the way for the development
of more accurate atomic models, such as Rutherford’s nuclear model and
Bohr’s planetary model.
Radioactivity

Radioactivity is a natural process where the unstable nucleus of an atom

emits energy in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This
phenomenon occurs spontaneously in certain types of atoms, particularly
those with an imbalance of protons and neutrons in their nuclei.
During radioactivity, particles such as alpha particles (consisting of two
protons and two neutrons) or beta particles (electrons or positrons) are
emitted from the nucleus. These emissions help the unstable atom
achieve a more stable configuration. Since radioactivity is an intrinsic
property of certain atomic nuclei, it occurs independently of external
influences.
Rutherford Model

The Rutherford model, proposed by physicist Ernest Rutherford in 1911,

revolutionized the understanding of atomic structure. In this model,
Rutherford suggested that atoms have a dense central nucleus
surrounded by orbiting electrons. The nucleus, which contains positively
charged protons and neutral neutrons, occupies a very small volume
compared to the overall size of the atom.
The electrons, which are negatively charged, orbit the nucleus in fixed
paths or orbits, much like planets orbiting the sun. Rutherford’s model
also introduced the concept of the atomic number, representing the
number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the identity of the
element. Although the Rutherford model was groundbreaking, it was later
refined with the development of quantum mechanics to explain the
behavior of electrons in greater detail.
Rutherford’s Model of an Atom
Rutherford’s conclusions from the α-particle scattering experiment shaped
his model of the atom as follows:
(i) At the core of the atom lies a positively charged center known as the
nucleus. The vast majority of an atom’s mass is concentrated within this
nucleus.
(ii) Electrons orbit the nucleus in distinct, well-defined paths.
(iii) The nucleus is remarkably tiny in comparison to the overall size of the
atom.
Drawbacks of Rutherford’s Model
Despite its significant contributions to our understanding of atomic
structure, Rutherford’s model had several drawbacks:
1. Stability of Electrons: According to classical electromagnetic theory,
electrons in motion should continuously emit radiation. This would
cause them to lose energy and spiral into the nucleus, making atoms
unstable.
2. Lack of Explanation for Spectral Lines: Rutherford’s model couldn’t
account for the discrete lines observed in atomic spectra, such as
those of hydrogen. These lines correspond to electrons transitioning
between energy levels, which Rutherford’s model couldn’t explain.
3. Failure to Explain Chemical Properties: The model didn’t provide an
explanation for the chemical properties of elements. It couldn’t
clarify why atoms of different elements exhibit distinct chemical
behaviors.
4. Absence of Electron Arrangement: Rutherford’s model didn’t specify
the arrangement of electrons within the atom. It couldn’t explain
why certain atoms are more stable than others or why elements
exhibit different valencies.
Properties of Electrons, Protons, and Neutrons
Electrons:
1. Charge: Negatively charged (-1).
2. Mass: Negligible compared to protons and neutrons.
3. Location: Found outside the nucleus in electron shells or orbitals.
4. Role: Involved in chemical bonding and determining the chemical
properties of elements.
Protons:
1. Charge: Positively charged (+1).
2. Mass: Approximately equal to that of neutrons.
3. Location: Located in the nucleus of an atom.
4. Role: Determines the identity of the element and contributes to the
atomic mass.
Neutrons:
1. Charge: Neutral (no charge).
2. Mass: Approximately equal to that of protons.
3. Location: Also located in the nucleus along with protons.
4. Role: Helps stabilize the nucleus and contributes to the atomic mass.
Neil Bohr Model

Bohr’s Model of an Atom: Niels Bohr proposed a model of the atom that
addressed some of the limitations of Rutherford’s model. According to
Bohr’s model:
1. Electrons revolve around the nucleus in stable orbits or energy
levels.
2. Each orbit has a definite energy associated with it, and electrons do
not emit radiant energy while in these stable orbits.
 3. Electrons can jump from one orbit to another by either emitting or
absorbing energy.
4. These orbits or energy levels are labeled as K, L, M, and N shells,
with the K shell being closest to the nucleus and having the lowest
energy.
Bohr’s model provided a framework for understanding atomic spectra and
the quantized nature of electron energies, laying the foundation for
modern quantum mechanics.
Orbits
Orbits, also known as energy shells or energy levels, are regions around
the nucleus of an atom where electrons are found. These orbits are
arranged at different distances from the nucleus and are designated by
letters such as K, L, M, and so on. Each orbit can hold a specific maximum
number of electrons, determined by the formula 2n^2, where ‘n’
represents the orbit number.
Electrons fill these orbits in a step-wise manner, starting from the lowest
energy level (K shell) and proceeding to higher energy levels. Orbits play
a important role in understanding the electronic structure of atoms and
their chemical behavior.
Electron Distribution in Different Orbits
According to Bohr and Bury, the maximum number of electrons in an orbit
is given by the formula 2n^2, where ‘n’ represents the orbit number. The
shells are filled stepwise, from lower to higher energy levels, and
electrons are not filled in the next shell until previous shells are filled.
Valency
The valency of an atom is determined by the number of electrons in its
outermost shell. Atoms with a completely filled outermost shell exhibit
little chemical activity and have a valency of zero. For example, hydrogen
has a valency of 1, while magnesium has a valency of 2.
Atomic Number: The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons
present in its nucleus, denoted by ‘Z’. It determines the identity of the
element and is unique to each element.
Mass Number and Representation of an Atom
The mass number of an atom is the total number of protons and neutrons
present in its nucleus. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with
different mass numbers. Isobars are atoms of different elements with the
same mass number.
Isotopes and Isobars
Isotopes and isobars are terms used in nuclear chemistry to describe
different aspects of atomic structure.
Isotopes:
 Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number
of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons (and
therefore different mass numbers).
 Since isotopes of the same element have the same number of
protons, they exhibit similar chemical properties but may have
different physical properties due to variations in mass.
 For example, carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 are isotopes of
carbon, with the same number of protons (6) but different numbers
of neutrons and different mass numbers (12, 13, and 14
respectively).
Isobars:
 Isobars are atoms of different elements that have the same mass
number (total number of protons and neutrons) but different atomic
numbers (number of protons).
 Isobars have different chemical properties since they belong to
different elements with different numbers of protons and electrons.
 For example, calcium-40 and argon-40 are isobars, both having a
mass number of 40 but different atomic numbers (20 for calcium
and 18 for argon).
Calculation of Mass Number for Isotopic Elements
The mass number of an isotopic element can be calculated by considering
the relative abundance of each isotope and its respective mass number.
Here’s how you can calculate it:
Determine the isotopes present and their respective percentages or
relative abundances. For example, consider an element like carbon, which
has two common isotopes: carbon-12 (with a natural abundance of about
98.9%) and carbon-13 (with a natural abundance of about 1.1%).
Convert the percentages to decimals by dividing by 100. For example,
98.9% becomes 0.989 and 1.1% becomes 0.011.
Multiply each isotope’s relative abundance by its mass number. For
carbon-12, the calculation would be 12 * 0.989 = 11.868, and for carbon-
13, it would be 13 * 0.011 = 0.143.
Add the results of these calculations together to find the average mass
number. For carbon, the calculation would be 11.868 + 0.143 = 12.011.
So, the calculated mass number for carbon, considering its isotopes
carbon-12 and carbon-13, would be approximately 12.011 atomic mass
units (u).
In-text Questions
1. What are the canal rays?
Solution:
The radiations that are positively charged are canal rays. This discovery
was crucial in the discovery of another subatomic particle that was
positively charged – the proton.
2. If an atom contains one electron and one proton, will it carry
any charge or not?
Solution:
Since a proton is a positively charged particle and an electron is a
negatively charged particle, the net charge becomes neutral as both
particles neutralise each other.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the
Atom Exercise-4.2 Page: 49
1. On the basis of Thompson’s model of an atom, explain how the
atom is neutral as a whole.
Solution:
Thomson’s model of the atom, proposed in the late 19th century,
suggested the following:
(i) An atom is envisioned as a uniform sphere filled with positive charge,
with negatively charged electrons embedded within it like raisins in a
pudding.
(ii) According to Thomson’s model, electrons and the positive charge are
distributed uniformly throughout the atom, making the atom electrically
neutral overall. This concept of equal positive and negative charges
within the atom led to it being referred to as the “plum pudding model.”
2. On the basis of Rutherford’s model of an atom, which
subatomic particle is present in the nucleus of an atom?
Solution:
Rutherford’s model of the atom, proposed around the early 20th century,
introduced significant changes from Thomson’s model:
In Rutherford’s model:
 The atom is mostly empty space, with a tiny, dense, positively
charged nucleus at its center.
 This nucleus contains positively charged protons and nearly all of the
atom’s mass.
 Electrons, which are negatively charged, orbit the nucleus at a
distance.
Rutherford’s experiments, particularly the gold foil experiment, led to the
discovery of the atomic nucleus and the understanding that most of an
atom’s mass and positive charge is concentrated in this small nucleus.
3. Draw a sketch of Bohr’s model of an atom with three shells.
Solution:

4. What do you think would be the observation if the ∝– particle

scattering experiment is carried out using a foil of a metal other
than gold?
Solution:
In the alpha particle scattering experiment, if any other metal foil is used
instead of gold, the observations would generally remain consistent. This
is because the fundamental structure of atoms, regardless of the element
used, involves a dense nucleus surrounded by electrons in orbits or
energy levels.
Rutherford’s experiment demonstrated that alpha particles, when
directed at a thin foil of gold, sometimes bounced back or were deflected
at large angles, indicating a concentrated positive charge (the nucleus) in
the center of the atom.
This basic atomic structure applies universally to all elements: a positively
charged nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting
around it. Therefore, while the degree of scattering may vary depending
on the atomic number and density of the foil used, the overall observation
regarding the atom’s structure would remain consistent across different
metals.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the
Atom Exercise-4.2.4 Page: 49
1. Name the three subatomic particles of an atom.
Solution:
An atom consists of three subatomic particles:
 Protons – Positively charged
 Electrons – Negatively charged
 Neutrons – Neutral in nature (no charge)
2. Helium atom has an atomic mass of 4 u and two protons in its
nucleus. How many neutrons does it have?
Solution:
Given: Atomic mass of helium atom = 4u, 2 protons in helium nucleus
Atomic mass = number of protons + number of neutrons
4 = 2 + number of neutrons
Number of neutrons = 4 – 2 = 2
Hence, Helium has 2 neutrons.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the
Atom Exercise-4.3 Page: 50
1. Write the distribution of electrons in Carbon and Sodium
atoms.
Solution:
The electron distribution in atoms describes how electrons are arranged in
different energy levels or shells around the nucleus. Let’s summarize the
electron distributions given for carbon and sodium atoms:
Carbon Atom (Atomic Number 6):
 1st shell (K-shell): 2 electrons
 2nd shell (L-shell): 4 electrons
Electron distribution notation: 2, 4
Sodium Atom (Atomic Number 11):
 1st shell (K-shell): 2 electrons
 2nd shell (L-shell): 8 electrons
 3rd shell (M-shell): 1 electron
Electron distribution notation: 2, 8, 1
These notations (2, 4 for carbon and 2, 8, 1 for sodium) indicate the
number of electrons in each successive energy level or shell around the
atom’s nucleus. Each shell can only hold a specific number of electrons
based on its energy level, following rules derived from quantum
mechanics and atomic theory.
2. If the K and L shells of an atom are full, then what would be
the total number of electrons in the atom?
Solution:
K shell can hold 2 electrons.
L shell can hold 8 electrons.
Hence, when both the shells are full, the total number of electrons
present in the atom = 2+8 = 10 electrons.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the
Atom Exercise-4.4 Page: 52
1. How will you find the valency of chlorine, sulphur and
magnesium?
Solution:
Valency of an element refers to its tendency to gain, lose, or share
electrons in order to achieve a stable electronic configuration, typically
with a full outer shell.
Mathematically, the valency can be determined based on the number of
electrons in the outermost shell (also known as the valence shell):
  If the outermost shell contains 4 or fewer electrons, the valency is
equal to the number of electrons in that shell.
 If the outermost shell contains more than 4 electrons, the valency is
calculated by subtracting the number of electrons in the outermost
shell from 8.
Calculation of valency:
Valency of chlorine:
The electronic configuration of chlorine = 2, 8, 7
Chlorine has 7 (more than 4) electrons in its outermost shell.
Therefore, the valency of chlorine = 8 – the number of electrons in the
outermost shell
= 8−7
=1
Valency of Sulphur:
The electronic configuration of Sulphur = 2, 8,6
Sulphur has 6 (more than 4) electrons in its outermost shell.
Therefore, the valency of chlorine = 8 – the number of electrons in the
outermost shell
= 8−6
=2
Valency of magnesium:
The electronic configuration of Magnesium = 2, 8, 2
Magnesium has 2 (less than 4) electrons in its outermost shell.
Therefore, the valency of magnesium= Number of electrons in its
outermost shell
=2
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the
Atom Exercise-4.5 Page: 52
1. If the number of electrons in an atom is 8 and the number of
protons is also 8, then
(i) What is the atomic number of the atom? and
(ii) What is the charge on the atom?
Solution:
Given: Number of electrons = 8
Number of protons = 8
(i) The atomic number of an atom is the same as the number of protons in
that atom; hence, its atomic number is 8.
(ii) In an atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons.
Hence, both the charges – positive and negative – neutralise each other.
Therefore, the atom does not possess any charge.
2. With the help of the given table, find out the mass number of
oxygen and sulphur atom.
Solution:
(a) To find the mass number of Oxygen,
Number of protons = 8
Number of neutrons = 8
Atomic number = 8
Atomic mass number = Number of protons + number of neutrons = 8 + 8
= 16
Therefore, the mass number of oxygen = 16
(b) To find the mass number of Sulphur,
Number of protons = 16
Number of neutrons = 16
Atomic number = 16
Atomic mass number = Number of protons + number of neutrons = 16 +
16 = 32
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the
Atom Exercise-4.6 Page: 53
1. For the symbols H, D and T, tabulate three subatomic particles
found in each of them.
Solution:
The following table depicts the subatomic particles in Hydrogen (H),
Deuterium (D), and Tritium(T).
2. Write the electronic configuration of any one pair of isotopes
and isobar.
Solution:
(a) Isotopes: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the
same number of protons (and therefore the same atomic number) but
differ in the number of neutrons. This difference in neutrons results in
isotopes having different mass numbers. Isotopes of an element behave
similarly in chemical reactions because they have the same number of
electrons and hence the same electronic configuration.
Example: Carbon has two major isotopes, Carbon-12 (6C12) and Carbon-
14 (6C14). Both isotopes have the same atomic number (6) and thus the
same number of protons and electrons, but Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons and
Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons, leading to different mass numbers (12 and 14,
respectively).
(b) Isobars: Isobars are atoms of different elements that have the same
mass number but different atomic numbers. Unlike isotopes, which are of
the same element, isobars are different elements altogether. This means
isobars have different numbers of protons and electrons and therefore
different atomic numbers.
Example: Calcium-40 (20Ca40) and Argon-40 (18Ar40) are isobars
because they both have a mass number of 40. Calcium-40 has an atomic
number of 20 (20 protons), while Argon-40 has an atomic number of 18
(18 protons). Despite the different atomic numbers, they can have similar
electron configurations in their respective shells due to having the same
number of electrons (20 for Calcium-40 and 18 for Argon-40) in their
neutral state.
Exercise
1. Compare the properties of electrons, protons and neutrons.
Solution:
2. What are the limitations of J.J.Thomson’s model of the atom?
Solution:
The limitations of J.J. Thomson’s model of the atom include:
1. Failure to Explain Alpha Particle Scattering: Thomson’s model
couldn’t explain the results of Rutherford’s alpha particle scattering
experiment. This experiment showed that while most alpha particles
passed through the gold foil, some were deflected at large angles
and a few even bounced back. Thomson’s model, which envisioned
electrons embedded in a uniform positive sphere, did not account for
the concentrated positive charge and empty space observed in
Rutherford’s experiment.
2. Lack of Experimental Evidence: Thomson’s model was largely
theoretical and based on the concept of the “plum pudding” model,
where electrons were dispersed within a positively charged sphere.
However, it lacked direct experimental evidence to support its claims
about the structure and behavior of atoms.
3. What are the limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom?
Solution:
The limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom include:
1. Lack of Expected Stability in Electron Orbits: According to
classical electromagnetic theory, an accelerating charged particle
(like an electron orbiting a nucleus) should continuously emit energy
in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This would cause the
electron to lose energy and spiral into the nucleus, leading to
instability rather than the observed stable atomic structures.
2. Energy Loss and Atom Stability: The model suggests that atoms,
if governed purely by classical physics, would be highly unstable
because electrons should continuously lose energy and collapse into
the nucleus. However, atoms are observed to be stable entities,
which contradicts this prediction
4. Describe Bohr’s model of the atom.
Solution:
 An atom holds the nucleus at the centre.
 Negatively charged electrons revolve around the nucleus.
 The atoms in it contain distinct orbits of electrons.
 Electrons do not radiate energy when they are in their orbits.
 The distinct orbits are named K, L, M, and N orbits. Numbers used to
denote them are n=1, 2, 3, 4

5. Compare all the proposed models of an atom given in this

chapter.
Solution:
6.Summarise the rules for the writing of the distribution of
electrons in various shells for the first eighteen elements.
Solution:
 The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a
shell is given by the formula: 2n2, where n= 1, 2, 3…
 The maximum number of electrons in different shells are:
K shell – n=1 ; 2n2 = 2(1)2 = 2
L shell – n=2 ; 2n2 = 2(2)2 = 8
M shell – n=3 ; 2n2 = 2(3)2 = 18
N shell- n=4 ; 2n2 = 2(4)2 = 32
 The outermost orbit can be accommodated with 8 electrons at the
maximum.
 The electrons are not taken in unless the inner shells are filled, which
are filled step-wise; hence, the highest element has K-2; L-8; M-8
distribution of electrons.
7.Define valency by taking examples of silicon and oxygen.
Solution:
Valency refers to the combining capacity of an atom, specifically how
many electrons an atom needs to gain, lose, or share to achieve a stable
electron configuration, typically with a full outer shell (octet rule).
Example of Silicon (Atomic Number 14):
 Silicon has 14 electrons.
  Electron distribution: K-shell (2 electrons), L-shell (8 electrons), M-
shell (4 electrons).
 To complete its outermost shell (M-shell), silicon needs 4 more
electrons.
 Therefore, the valency of silicon is 4.
Example of Oxygen (Atomic Number 8):
 Oxygen has 8 electrons.
 Electron distribution: K-shell (2 electrons), L-shell (6 electrons).
 To complete its outermost shell (L-shell), oxygen needs 2 more
electrons.
 Therefore, the valency of oxygen is 2.
Explain with examples
(i) Atomic number,
(ii) Mass number,
(iii) Isotopes and
(iv) Isobars.
8.Give any two uses of isotopes.
Solution:
(i) The number of positively charged protons present in the nucleus of an
atom is defined as the atomic number and is denoted by Z. Example:
Hydrogen has one proton in its nucleus; hence, its atomic number is one.
(ii) The total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an
atom is known as the mass number. It is denoted by A. 20Ca40 . The mass
number is 40. The atomic number is 20.
(iii) The atoms which have the same number of protons but a different
number of neutrons are referred to as isotopes. Hence, the mass number
varies.
Example: The most simple example is the Carbon molecule which exists
as 6C12 and 6C14
(iv) Isobars: Isobars are atoms which have the same mass number but
differ in atomic number.
Examples are, 20Ca40and Ar40
18

Uses of isotopes
  The isotope of the Iodine atom is used to treat goitre, an iodine-
deficient disease.
 In the treatment of cancer, an isotope of cobalt is used.
 Fuel for nuclear reactors is derived from the isotopes of the Uranium
atom.
9.Na+ has completely filled K and L shells. Explain.
Solution:
Sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11, which means it has 11
electrons.
 Electronic Configuration before Ionization: K-shell (2 electrons),
L-shell (8 electrons), M-shell (1 electron)
 Sodium tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable electron
configuration, as elements tend to gain or lose electrons to reach a
noble gas configuration.
 Formation of Sodium Ion (Na^+): When sodium loses one
electron, it forms a sodium ion (Na^+).
 Electronic Configuration after Ionization: K-shell (2 electrons),
L-shell (8 electrons).
 The resulting sodium ion (Na^+) now has a full outer shell (noble
gas configuration), making it more stable.
 It is indeed difficult to remove an electron from a filled shell, as
atoms and ions tend to achieve stability by filling or emptying their
outermost electron shells.
10. If the bromine atom is available in the form of, say, two
79
isotopes 35Br (49.7%) and 35Br81 (50.3%), calculate the
average atomic mass of the Bromine atom.

Solution:

 The atomic mass of an element is the mass of one atom of that

element. Average atomic mass takes into account the isotopic
abundance.
 Isotope of bromine with atomic mass 79 u = 49.7%
 Therefore, Contribution of 35Br79 to atomic mass = (79 × 49.7)/100
 ⇒ 39.26 u
 Isotope of bromine with atomic mass 81 u = 50.3%
 Contribution of 35Br81 to the atomic mass of bromine = (81 ×
50.3)/100
 ⇒ 40.64u
  Hence, the average atomic mass of the bromine atom = 39.26 +
40.64 u = 79.9u

11. The average atomic mass of a sample of element X is 16.2 u.

What are the percentages of isotopes 8X16 and 8X18 in the
sample?

Solution:

 Let the percentage of 8X16 be ‘a’ and that of 8X18 be ‘100-a’.

 As per the given data,
 16.2u = 16 a / 100 + 18 (100-a) /100
 1620 = 16a + 1800 – 18a
 1620 = 1800 – 2a
 a = 90%
 Hence, the percentage of the isotope in the sample 8X16 is 90% and
that of
18
 8X = 100-a = 100- 90=10%

12. If Z=3, what would be the valency of the element? Also,

name the element.
 Solution:
 Given: Atomic number, Z = 3
 The electronic configuration of the element = K-2; L-1, hence its
valency = 1
 The element with atomic number 3 is Lithium.

13. Composition of the nuclei of two atomic species, X and Y,

are given as under

XY

Protons = 6 6

Neutrons = 6 8

Give the mass numbers of X and Y. What is the relation

between the two species?

Solution:

 Mass number of X: Protons + neutrons = 6+6 = 12

 Mass number of Y: Protons + neutrons = 6+8 = 14
 They are the same element, and their atomic numbers are the same.
 They are isotopes, as they differ in the number of neutrons and
hence their mass numbers