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

AI Thread Summary
A neutral atom of a radium isotope is represented with a proton number (Z) of 88 and a nucleon number (A) of 228. The discussion focuses on the confusion regarding the mark scheme indicating the nucleon number as 228 ± 10. The participants clarify that while the proton number remains constant, the nucleon number can vary due to the presence of isotopes. It is emphasized that exam questions should be posted in the appropriate homework forum, regardless of whether they are for revision or actual homework. The thread was ultimately closed and redirected for proper posting.
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.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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