- Identify the atomic number \(Z\) as the number of protons: \(Z = 16\).
- Match the atomic number to the element in the table: Sulfur, symbol S.
- Calculate the mass number \(A\) as the sum of protons and neutrons: \(A = 16 + 16 = 32\).
- Write the isotope notation in the format \(_{Z}^{A}\text{X}\) to get \(\boxed{\text{S, }_{16}^{32}\text{S}}\).
Explanation
- Identifying the Element
To determine the identity and isotope notation of the given atom, we analyze the constituent particles: 16 protons, 16 electrons, and 16 neutrons. The identity of an element is uniquely defined by its atomic number (\(Z\)), which corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus. Given that the atom has 16 protons, we have \(Z = 16\). By referring to the provided table, which associates elements with their atomic numbers, the element with an atomic number of 16 is Sulfur, represented by the symbol S.
- Calculating the Mass Number and Determining Isotope Notation
The mass number (\(A\)) of an isotope is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. For this atom, we have 16 protons and 16 neutrons, leading to a mass number of \(A = 16 + 16 = 32\). Isotope notation follows the standardized format \(_{Z}^{A}\text{X}\), where \(X\) is the element symbol, \(A\) is the mass number, and \(Z\) is the atomic number. Substituting our calculated values, the notation for this specific sulfur isotope is \(_{16}^{32}\text{S}\).
- Final Answer
In conclusion, the element symbol is S, and the corresponding isotope notation is \(_{16}^{32}\text{S}\). The final answer is \(\boxed{\text{S, }_{16}^{32}\text{S}}\).
Examples
Isotope notation is essential in scientific fields like nuclear medicine and archaeology. For example, knowing the isotope notation of carbon, like \(_{6}^{14}\text{C}\), allows researchers to perform carbon dating, which helps determine the age of ancient organic materials. By identifying the protons and neutrons within an element, scientists can understand how stable an atom is or how it will behave in chemical reactions.