Question
Question: The most stable elements, the number of protons and neutrons are: (a)- Odd-odd (b)- Even-even ...
The most stable elements, the number of protons and neutrons are:
(a)- Odd-odd
(b)- Even-even
(c)- Odd-even
(d)- Even-odd
Solution
We know that in the nucleus there are 2 types of fundamental particles, known as protons and neutrons. The most stable and the most unstable have the same type of a number of protons and neutrons.
Complete step by step answer:
We know that a nucleus has two types of fundamental particles, known as protons and neutrons, and the electrons revolve around the nucleus. The basic difference between protons and neutrons is their charge: the proton has a positive charge whereas the neutron has no charge. Their masses are almost mass and have a ratio of 0.1.
We know that in nature every substance wants to acquire stability, and this stability is acquired by the lowest energy. And if the substance is unstable, it will convert itself to become stable.
So, in the case of the nucleus, we define its stability as the number of protons and neutrons in odd or even form.
Out of all known nuclei, we have almost 168 nuclei that are stable because they have an even number of protons and even a number of neutrons. Due to this stability, these nuclei can be found in nature and do not degrade.
Out of all nuclei, 4 nuclei are least stable because of the odd number of protons and an odd number of neutrons. Due to this instability, these nuclei are classified as radioactive nuclei and have a short period.
Therefore, the correct answer is an option (b)- Even-even.
Note: The nuclei having an even number of protons and odd numbers of neutrons are more stable than the nuclei having an odd number of protons and even the number of neutrons. 57 nuclei are having an even number of protons and an odd number of neutrons. 50 nuclei are having an odd number of protons and an even number of neutrons.