Textbook Question
The accompanying graph illustrates the decay of 8842Mo, which decays via positron emission. (a) What is the halflife of the decay? [Section 21.4]
580
views
Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement140
- Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions192
- Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry172
- Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution156
- Ch.5 - Thermochemistry151
- Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms137
- Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements127
- Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding143
- Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories167
- Ch.10 - Gases147
- Ch.11 - Liquids and Intermolecular Forces97
- Ch.12 - Solids and Modern Materials129
- Ch.13 - Properties of Solutions126
- Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics175
- Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium107
- Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria127
- Ch.17 - Additional Aspects of Aqueous Equilibria133
- Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment88
- Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics140
- Ch.20 - Electrochemistry137
- Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry99
- Ch.22 - Chemistry of the Nonmetals66
- Ch.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry69
- Ch.24 - The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry11
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 21, Problem 4c
In the sketch below, the red spheres represent protons and the gray spheres represent neutrons. (c) Based on its atomic number and mass number, do you think the product nucleus is stable or radioactive? [Section 21.3]
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the number of protons (red spheres) and neutrons (gray spheres) in the product nucleus.
Determine the atomic number (Z) by counting the number of protons in the product nucleus.
Determine the mass number (A) by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the product nucleus.
Compare the neutron-to-proton ratio (N/Z) of the product nucleus to the known stable ratios for nuclei with similar atomic numbers.
Assess the stability of the product nucleus based on its neutron-to-proton ratio and known stability trends for nuclei in the same region of the periodic table.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Number
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, which determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table. It also influences the chemical properties of the element and its reactivity. In the context of nuclear stability, the atomic number helps to assess the balance between protons and neutrons, which is crucial for determining whether a nucleus is stable or prone to radioactive decay.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:10
Atom Structure
Mass Number
The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. It provides insight into the overall size and stability of the nucleus. A higher mass number can indicate a greater likelihood of instability, especially if the ratio of neutrons to protons is not optimal. Understanding mass number is essential for evaluating whether a nucleus will remain stable or undergo radioactive decay.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:19Atomic Mass
Nuclear Stability
Nuclear stability refers to the ability of a nucleus to remain intact without undergoing radioactive decay. This stability is influenced by the ratio of neutrons to protons; generally, a ratio close to 1:1 is stable for lighter elements, while heavier elements require more neutrons to offset the repulsive forces between protons. Analyzing the atomic and mass numbers helps predict whether a nucleus is stable or likely to be radioactive.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:29Band of Stability: Nuclear Fission
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Indicate whether each of the following nuclides lies within the belt of stability in Figure 21.2: (a) neon-24. For any that do not, describe a nuclear decay process that would alter the neutron-to-proton ratio in the direction of increased stability. [Section 21.2]
1389
views
1
rank
Textbook Question
The steps below show three of the steps in the radioactive decay chain for 23290Th. The half-life of each isotope is shown below the symbol of the isotope. (a) Identify the type of radioactive decay for each of the steps (i), (ii), and (iii). [Sections 21.2 and 21.4]
747
views