11.1.5—The notation A Z X for the representation of nuclides
- Syllabus
- 9702–2028–2029
- Objective
- 11.1.5
- Level
- AS
Nuclides are written as A over Z next to the element symbol
The nuclide notation ^A_ZX places nucleon number A at the upper left, proton number Z at the lower left and element symbol X beside them.
Read particle counts directly: protons=Z, neutrons=A−Z, and neutral electrons=Z. For ions, adjust electron count by charge.
^14_6C has 6 protons, 8 neutrons and 6 electrons when neutral.
Do not swap A and Z; the upper number is total nucleons, not the number of neutrons.
ConceptA-Level CAIE Physics AS