An atom of element X has a mass of 5.861 × 10–23 grams. What is the symbol of X if it has 18
neutrons? explain in steps

To determine the symbol of element X, we need to follow several steps:

### Step 1: Calculate the atomic mass of the element.
The mass of an atom is mainly due to its protons and neutrons, as the mass of electrons is negligible. We are given the total atomic mass as \( 5.861 \times 10^{-23} \) grams.

#### Convert atomic mass to atomic mass units (amu):
We know that 1 atomic mass unit (amu) = \( 1.66054 \times 10^{-24} \) grams.

So, to convert the given atomic mass to amu:
\[
\text{Atomic mass in amu} = \frac{5.861 \times 10^{-23} \text{ grams}}{1.66054 \times 10^{-24} \text{ grams/amu}} = 35.30 \, \text{amu}
\]

This gives an atomic mass of approximately 35.30 amu.

### Step 2: Understand the relationship between atomic mass and neutrons.
The atomic mass is the sum of the number of protons (which defines the atomic number) and neutrons. We are told that the atom has 18 neutrons.

Let \( Z \) represent the atomic number (the number of protons) of element X, and let the mass number \( A \) (which is approximately the same as the atomic mass in amu) be the total number of protons and neutrons.

The mass number is:
\[
A = \text{Number of protons} + \text{Number of neutrons}
\]
\[
A = Z + 18
\]
We already know that \( A \approx 35 \) (since the atomic mass is approximately 35.30 amu).

### Step 3: Solve for the atomic number.
Now, solve for \( Z \) (the atomic number):
\[
35 = Z + 18
\]
\[
Z = 35 - 18 = 17
\]

### Step 4: Identify the element.
The atomic number \( Z = 17 \) corresponds to the element **Chlorine (Cl)** on the periodic table.

Thus, the symbol of element X is **Cl**.

### Conclusion:
The atom is an isotope of chlorine, likely chlorine-35 (since it has 18 neutrons and an atomic mass of around 35 amu).

---

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:
1. What is the significance of atomic mass units (amu)?
2. How do isotopes differ from one another?
3. What are the chemical properties of chlorine?
4. How is atomic number related to the periodic table?
5. What is the difference between atomic mass and mass number?

**Tip:** Always remember that the atomic number (number of protons) uniquely identifies an element.

An atom of element X has a mass of 5.861 × 10–23 grams. What is the symbol of X if it has 18 neutrons? explain in steps.

Find the symbol of element X given its atomic mass of 5.861 × 10–23 grams and 18 neutrons. Learn step-by-step how to calculate the atomic mass, understand atomic structure, and use the periodic table to identify the element Chlorine (Cl).

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