To determine which symbol best represents the given isotope of uranium, we need to understand the notation for representing isotopes.
An isotope is represented in the form [tex]\(_Z^A\text{X}\)[/tex], where:
- [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] is the atomic number (number of protons).
- [tex]\(A\)[/tex] is the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons).
- [tex]\(\text{X}\)[/tex] is the chemical symbol of the element.
Given the isotope of uranium:
- The atomic number [tex]\(Z\)[/tex] is 92.
- The mass number [tex]\(A\)[/tex] is 238 (sum of protons and neutrons).
Therefore, the isotope can be represented as [tex]\(_{92}^{238}\text{U}\)[/tex].
Now, let's analyze each of the given options:
1. [tex]\(92 \, \text{U}\)[/tex]
- This does not include the mass number, so it is not a complete representation of the isotope.
2. [tex]\({ }_{92}^{230} U\)[/tex]
- This suggests an atomic number of 92 and a mass number of 230, which is incorrect since the mass number should be 238.
3. [tex]\({ }_{230}^{92} U\)[/tex]
- This incorrectly places the numbers, swapping the atomic number and the mass number.
4. [tex]\({ }^{92} U\)[/tex]
- This notation is missing the atomic number and appears incomplete.
Accordingly, none of these explicitly and correctly match the proper notation [tex]\(_{92}^{238}\text{U}\)[/tex]. The closest correct option to what would be a suitable symbol of uranium isotope would be written as:
[tex]${ }_{92}^{238} U$[/tex]
However, if strictly choosing based on the given options, none precisely meets the required correct isotope notation, and this correct identification is essential in accurately representing the isotope.
