Which is true about stable isotopes?(1 point)ResponsesIsotopes that are naturally occurring in nature are always unstable.Isotopes that are naturally occurring in nature are always unstable.A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.Isotopes are always unstable because they are radioactive.Isotopes are always unstable because they are radioactive.Isotopes with more neutrons than protons are always stable.
A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
The correct answer is: A stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons.
To understand why this is true, it is important to know what isotopes are. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have a different number of neutrons in their nucleus. Since the number of protons defines the element, isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
In general, isotopes can be stable or unstable. Stable isotopes have a balanced ratio of neutrons to protons in their nucleus, making them more likely to exist for a long period of time without undergoing radioactive decay. Unstable isotopes, on the other hand, have an unstable ratio of neutrons to protons, leading to radioactive decay.
Therefore, the statement that a stable nucleus has a similar number of protons and neutrons is true. However, it is important to note that this statement is not universally applicable to all isotopes. Some isotopes can still be stable even if they have a slightly higher or lower number of neutrons compared to protons. The key factor is the overall balance between the two.