Question

Solve the given problem with complete solution

10. One of the most harmful components of nuclear waste is a radioactive isotope of strontium,

90 Sr38 , it can be deposited in your bones, where it replaces calcium. How many protons are in the

nucleus of Sr-90.

Answer 1

38 protons

The atomic number of strontium is 38. Thus, all atoms of this element have 38 protons and 38 electrons. The strontium-90 isotope has 90 – 38 = 52 neutrons.