Which is true about stable isotopes? (1 point)
A.) Isotopes that are naturally occurring in nature are always unstable.
B.) Isotopes with more neutrons than protons are always stable.
C.) Isotopes are always unstable because they are radioactive.
D.) stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
D.) stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
Which statement best explains why hydrogen's atomic number is equal to its mass? (1 point) pink correct answer
A.) Hydrogen only has one electron
B.) Hydrogen does not have any neutrons.
C.) Hydrogen is stable, with two electrons in its outer shell.
D.) Hydrogen is in the first row and the first column of the periodic table.
B.) Hydrogen does not have any neutrons.
Which is true about stable isotopes? (1 point) choose correct answer
A.) Isotopes that are naturally occurring in nature are always unstable.
B.) Isotopes with more neutrons than protons are always stable.
C.) Isotopes are always unstable because they are radioactive.
D.) stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
D.) A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
D.) A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
The correct answer is D.) A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
To understand why this is true, we need to have a basic understanding of isotopes and stability. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Protons have a positive charge and neutrons have no charge, while electrons have a negative charge. The protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, while the electrons are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.
The stability of an isotope is determined by the balance between the strong nuclear force, which holds the nucleus together, and the electrostatic force, which repels the positively charged protons. The strong nuclear force is a very strong attractive force, which is why the nucleus can overcome the repulsion between protons and remain stable.
When the number of protons and neutrons in an isotope is roughly equal, the strong nuclear force is able to overcome the electrostatic force, leading to a stable nucleus. This is why stable isotopes have a similar number of protons and neutrons.
In contrast, isotopes with significantly more neutrons than protons (option B) are typically less stable because the strong nuclear force becomes weaker than the repulsive electrostatic force, leading to a higher likelihood of decay or radioactivity. However, not all isotopes with more neutrons than protons are inherently unstable, as there are some exceptions.
Option A is incorrect because naturally occurring isotopes can be stable. Option C is incorrect because not all isotopes are radioactive and unstable. Therefore, the correct answer is D.)