Pick the radioactive isotope in each set
14/7 N
OR
23/13 AL
EXPLAIN
A)its atomic number is greater than 83
B)it has fewer n than p in the nucleus
C)it is an odd-odd nuclide
none of the above
That aluminum isotope is radioactive because it has too few neutrons (10) for that number of protons (13)
what about
13/8 0
31/15 P
To determine the radioactive isotope in each set, let's go through the given options one by one:
A) Its atomic number is greater than 83:
The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. A radioactive isotope is an isotope with an unstable nucleus that undergoes radioactive decay. Generally, isotopes with atomic numbers greater than 83 tend to be radioactive.
Looking at the two options:
14/7 N has an atomic number of 7 which is smaller than 83, so it does not meet this criterion.
23/13 AL has an atomic number of 13 which is also smaller than 83, so it does not meet this criterion either.
Therefore, none of the isotopes satisfy the requirement of having an atomic number greater than 83.
B) It has fewer n than p in the nucleus:
For an isotope to be radioactive, the ratio of neutrons to protons in the nucleus plays a significant role. Typically, isotopes with an imbalance of neutrons and protons tend to be unstable and exhibit radioactive decay.
Looking at the two options:
14/7 N has 7 protons and 7 neutrons, so the ratio (n:p) is balanced, and it does not meet this criterion.
23/13 AL has 13 protons and 10 neutrons, so the ratio (n:p) is imbalanced. It has fewer neutrons than protons, which satisfies this criterion.
Therefore, 23/13 AL meets the requirement of having fewer neutrons than protons in the nucleus.
C) It is an odd-odd nuclide:
An odd-odd nuclide refers to an isotope with an odd number of protons and an odd number of neutrons. Isotopes with an odd number of both protons and neutrons often have higher possibilities of being radioactive due to nuclear instability.
Looking at the two options:
14/7 N has 7 protons and 7 neutrons, both of which are odd numbers. Therefore, it meets this criterion.
23/13 AL has 13 protons and 10 neutrons, so it does not meet this criterion.
Therefore, 14/7 N meets the requirement of being an odd-odd nuclide.
Based on the given criteria, the 14/7 N isotope is the radioactive isotope in the set.