To determine the correct comparison between the sulfur isotopes [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex] and [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex], let's first understand what isotopes are. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.
The atomic number of sulfur is 16, which means every sulfur atom has 16 protons. Let's analyze each isotope in detail:
1. Number of Protons in [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex] and [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex]:
- [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex] has 16 protons.
- [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex] also has 16 protons.
Therefore, options A and C are incorrect since they state that the numbers of protons are different.
2. Number of Neutrons in [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex]:
The number of neutrons in an isotope can be calculated using the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = \text{Mass Number} - \text{Number of Protons}
\][/tex]
For [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = 32 - 16 = 16
\][/tex]
3. Number of Neutrons in [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex]:
For [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = 35 - 16 = 19
\][/tex]
Given these calculations:
- [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex] has 16 neutrons.
- [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex] has 19 neutrons.
Thus, the correct option is B:
B. [tex]\( ^{32}S \)[/tex] has 16 neutrons, whereas [tex]\( ^{35}S \)[/tex] has 19 neutrons.
