Neutral isotopes of atom, state possible value for A & Z?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the neutral isotopes of radium, specifically the isotope represented as 228Ra, which has a proton number (Z) of 88 and a nucleon number (A) of 228. The confusion arises regarding the mark scheme's notation of 228 ± 10 for the nucleon number, indicating a possible variation in isotopic mass. This variation accounts for the existence of isotopes with different neutron counts, which can lead to a range in nucleon numbers while maintaining the same proton count. The user is advised to follow forum guidelines by posting homework-related questions in the appropriate section.

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CAH
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A neutral atom of radium isotope may be represented by:
228
Ra (88 proton number, 228 nucleon number).
88

A
Ra (A:nucleon number, Z: proton number).
Z
...Is a neutral atom of different isotope of radium. State a possible value for A and for Z.

I know that neutral means the number of protons will be the same as electrons so net charge=0 but I am confused as to why (in the mark scheme) it shows: 228 ± 10.
I know the proton number will stay the same, but why is the nucleon number only plus or minus 10??

Thanks
 
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CAH said:
Im confused as to why (in the mark scheme) it shows: 228 ± 10.

Where does it show 228 ± 10?

(Also, if this is a homework question, it should be posted in the appropriate homework forum and the homework template should be used. If it isn't, a reference for the source material you are getting this from would be helpful.)
 
Question 2 on this paper: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-PHYA1-W-QP-JAN11.PDF
Mark scheme: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-PHYA1-W-MS-JAN11.PDF
This is just revision for my exams, not homework.

Thanks
 
CAH said:
This is just revision for my exams, not homework.

Exam questions are treated the same as homework here on PF. I have closed this thread; please re-post a new thread in the homework forum with the template filled out.
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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