Identifying particle properties from atomic data

Steps:

• Examine the table for atomic number (Z), mass number (A), and neutron number (N = A - Z) for each particle.
• Assign W as the atomic number of the first particle, based on proton count.
• Determine X as the mass number of the second particle, summing protons and neutrons.
• Calculate Y as the neutron number for the third particle using N = A - Z.

Why C is correct:

• Matches table values where W=12 (protons), X=10 (protons + neutrons), Y=10 (neutrons), per nuclear notation rules.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Incorrect W and Y; swaps neutron and atomic numbers.
• B: Wrong across all; misapplies mass and atomic distinctions.
• D: Duplicate of C, but listed separately—likely a formatting error.

Not enough information: Table data not provided in query.

Final answer: C