In each pair, tell which isotope is more likely to be radioactive: (a) Nitrogen-14 and nitrogen-

step 1 So in each pair we have to determine which isotope is more likely to be radioactive. So in part

In each pair, tell which isotope is more likely to be...

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Key Concepts

Neutron-to-Proton Ratio

The neutron-to-proton ratio is a critical factor in determining the stability of a nucleus. For light elements, a roughly equal number of neutrons and protons tends to confer stability, whereas an imbalance, either an excess or deficiency of neutrons, can lead to radioactive decay as the nucleus seeks a more stable configuration.

Nuclear Stability

Nuclear stability is influenced by factors such as binding energy, the neutron-to-proton ratio, and quantum mechanical effects including magic numbers. Nuclei that deviate from the optimal balance of these factors are more likely to be unstable and undergo radioactive decay, an important consideration when comparing different isotopes.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count leads to variations in the mass number, which can influence nuclear stability without altering the chemical behavior of the element.

Radioactivity

Radioactivity refers to the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This instability generally arises when the nucleus possesses an unfavorable balance of neutrons and protons, causing it to decay into a more stable form.

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