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Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.21 - Nuclear ChemistryProblem 1a
Chapter 21, Problem 1a

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]
Graph showing neutron-to-proton ratio and stability for nuclides in nuclear chemistry.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number (Z) and mass number (A) of neon-24. Neon has an atomic number of 10, so Z = 10 and A = 24.
Calculate the number of neutrons (N) in neon-24 using the formula N = A - Z. For neon-24, N = 24 - 10 = 14.
Locate the point (Z, N) = (10, 14) on the graph provided. This point represents neon-24.
Determine if the point (10, 14) lies within the belt of stability on the graph. The belt of stability is the region where stable nuclides are found.
If neon-24 does not lie within the belt of stability, suggest a nuclear decay process to move it towards stability. For example, if it has too many neutrons, beta decay (neutron to proton conversion) could be suggested.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Belt of Stability

The belt of stability is a graphical representation that shows the stable nuclides based on their neutron-to-proton ratios. Nuclides that fall within this region are stable, while those outside are unstable and likely to undergo radioactive decay. The position of a nuclide in relation to this belt helps predict its stability and the type of decay it may undergo to achieve stability.
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Intepreting the Band of Stability

Neutron-to-Proton Ratio

The neutron-to-proton ratio (N/Z) is crucial in determining the stability of a nuclide. Stable nuclides typically have a specific range of N/Z values, which varies with atomic number. If a nuclide has too many or too few neutrons compared to protons, it may undergo decay processes such as beta decay or alpha decay to adjust its ratio and move towards stability.
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Neutron-Proton Ratio

Types of Nuclear Decay

Nuclear decay processes, such as alpha decay, beta decay, and electron capture, are mechanisms by which unstable nuclides transform into more stable forms. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, reducing both the atomic number and mass number. Beta decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton (or vice versa), altering the neutron-to-proton ratio and moving the nuclide towards the belt of stability.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

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]

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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]


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