How many neutrons does isotope sodium-20 have?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 1, 2017

#""^20Na# has nine neutrons............

Explanation:

By definition, #Z=11# for sodium. That is there are 11 protons, 11 massive, positively charged particles in EVERY sodium nucleus. If there are not 11 protons, then we have another nuclide. The most common isotope of sodium is #""^23Na#. How many neutrons does this beast have?

#""^20Na# would be a short-lived isotope, with a half-life under a minute.

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