- Isotopes are defined as atoms with the same atomic number (\(Z\)) but different neutron counts.
- Bromine has an atomic number of \(Z = 35\).
- Option 2 (\(Z=35, A=79\)) has an atomic number of 35, confirming it is an isotope of bromine.
- Option 3 (\(A=79, N=44\)) results in \(Z = A - N = 79 - 44 = 35\), also confirming it is an isotope of bromine.
- Therefore, the options that represent isotopes of bromine are \(\boxed{Z=35, A=79}\) and \(\boxed{A=79, N=44}\).
Explanation
- Definition and Properties of Isotopes
The element bromine (Br) is located in the periodic table with an atomic number \(Z = 35\). By definition, an isotope of an element is an atom that possesses the same atomic number (number of protons) but a different number of neutrons, leading to a different mass number. The mass number \(A\) is the sum of protons and neutrons, given by the formula \(A = Z + N\). To identify which of the provided options could be an isotope of bromine, we must determine which options have an atomic number \(Z = 35\).
- Evaluating the Given Options
We evaluate each option individually to see if it qualifies as an isotope of bromine (\(Z=35\)):
- Option 1 (\(Z=79, A=196\)): The atomic number is \(Z=79\). This corresponds to gold (Au), not bromine. Thus, this is not an isotope of bromine.
- Option 2 (\(Z=35, A=79\)): The atomic number is \(Z=35\). This matches the atomic number of bromine. Therefore, this option is an isotope of bromine.
- Option 3 (\(A=79, N=44\)): We use the relationship \(Z = A - N\) to find the atomic number. Calculating this, we get \(Z = 79 - 44 = 35\). Since the atomic number is \(35\), this option describes an isotope of bromine (specifically, it is the same isotope as in Option 2, just represented differently).
- Option 4 (\(Z=44, N=44\)): The atomic number is \(Z=44\). This corresponds to ruthenium (Ru), not bromine. Thus, this is not an isotope of bromine.
- Final Conclusion
Based on our analysis, the options that correctly represent isotopes of bromine are those where the atomic number is \(35\). These are the second and third options provided. Thus, the isotopes of bromine are \(Z=35, A=79\) and \(A=79, N=44\). Both represent the same isotope. The final answer is indicated by selecting these two options.
Examples
Isotopes are essential in many scientific fields. For instance, in geology, scientists use stable isotopes to track the history of rocks and water. In medical imaging and cancer treatment, radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) like Iodine-131 or Technetium-99m are used because their specific nuclear properties allow them to target and image or treat specific organs, highlighting how identifying the correct isotope is critical for both research and healthcare.