2.42 An element with mass number 81 contains 31.7% more neutrons as compared to protons. Assign the atomic symbol.

Let the number of protons in the element be x.
 Number of neutrons in the element
= x + 31.7% of x
= x + 0.317 x
= 1.317 x
According to the question,
Mass number of the element = 81
 (Number of protons + number of neutrons) = 81

 x + 1.317x = 81
2.317x = 81
x = 812.317 = 34.95 = 35

Hence, the number of protons in the element i.e., x is 35.
Since the atomic number of an atom is defined as the number of protons present in its nucleus, the atomic number of the given element is 35.
 The atomic symbol of the element is Br3581.