To identify the element symbol of the isotope and determine the number of protons and electrons, we can follow these steps:
- Determine the number of protons:
The mass number (A) of an isotope is the sum of the number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N) in its nucleus. The formula is:
A = Z + N
Given that the mass number (A) is 65 and the number of neutrons (N) is 36, we can calculate the number of protons (Z):
Z = A – N
Z = 65 – 36 = 29
So, the number of protons is 29.
- Identify the element symbol:
The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which in turn identifies the element. An atomic number of 29 corresponds to the element Copper (Cu).
- Determine the number of electrons:
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since we have 29 protons, the number of electrons is also 29.
Therefore, the element symbol of the isotope is Cu, and it has 29 protons and 29 electrons.