Q154CP
Question
Nuclei differ in their stability, and some are so unstable that they undergo radioactive decay. The ratio of the number of neutrons to the number of protons (N/Z) in a nucleus correlates with its stability. Calculate the N/Z ratio for (a) 144Sm; (b) 56Fe; (c) 20Ne; (d) 107Ag. (e) The radioactive isotope 238U decays in a series of nuclear reactions that includes another uranium isotope, 234U, and three lead isotopes, 214Pb, 210Pb, and 206Pb. How many neutrons, protons, and electrons are in each of these five isotopes?
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified- The N/Z ratio of 144Sm is 1.32
- The N/Z ratio of 56Fe is 1.15
- The N/Z ratio of 20Ne is 1
- The N/Z ratio of 107Ag 1.28
- Each of the neutrons protons and electrons can be found.
Samarium has an atomic number of Z=62. Other numbers can be calculated as
Iron has an atomic number of Z=26. On subtracting Z from the mass number,
Neon has an atomic number of Z=10. On subtracting Z from the mass number,
Silver has an atomic number of Z=47. On subtracting Z from the mass number,
Uranium (238U) has an atomic number of 92. The proton and electron amounts are equal. On solving for neutron number and then subtracting Z from mass number,
Uranium (234U) has an atomic number of 92. The proton and electron amounts are equal. On solving for neutron number and then subtracting Z from mass number,
Uranium (214Pb) has an atomic number of 82. The proton and electron amounts are equal. On solving for neutron number and then subtracting Z from mass number,