Daughter Parent Nuclei Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the Line of Stability?
The Line of Stability is a graphical representation that indicates the stability of atomic nuclei based on the ratio of protons to neutrons.
True or False: The Line of Stability is the same for all elements.
False
Fill in the blank: The Line of Stability is also known as the _______.
band of stability
What does the position of an isotope relative to the Line of Stability indicate?
It indicates whether the isotope is stable, radioactive, or prone to decay.
How does the number of neutrons affect nuclear stability?
An appropriate ratio of neutrons to protons is necessary for stability; too few or too many neutrons can lead to instability.
Which isotopes generally lie above the Line of Stability?
Isotopes that have too many neutrons compared to protons.
What type of decay do isotopes above the Line of Stability typically undergo?
Beta decay
Which isotopes generally lie below the Line of Stability?
Isotopes that have too few neutrons compared to protons.
What type of decay do isotopes below the Line of Stability typically undergo?
Positron emission or electron capture
True or False: The Line of Stability can change with the discovery of new isotopes.
True
What is the general proton-to-neutron ratio for stable isotopes of light elements?
Close to 1:1
As atomic number increases, how does the Line of Stability change?
The required neutron-to-proton ratio increases.
Name one factor that can lead to the instability of an atomic nucleus.
An imbalance in the neutron-to-proton ratio.
What is the significance of the Line of Stability in nuclear physics?
It helps predict the stability and decay modes of isotopes.
What happens to isotopes that fall far from the Line of Stability?
They are more likely to be radioactive and undergo decay.
Multiple choice: What does the Line of Stability help to determine? A) Color of elements B) Stability of isotopes C) Atomic mass D) Chemical reactivity
B) Stability of isotopes
Fill in the blank: Elements with atomic numbers greater than _____ tend to have more neutrons than protons.
20
True or False: All isotopes of an element are found on the Line of Stability.
False
What type of graph is typically used to represent the Line of Stability?
A plot of the number of neutrons versus the number of protons.
What is the primary reason for the existence of the Line of Stability?
To illustrate the balance required in nuclear forces for stability.
Fill in the blank: The Line of Stability is crucial for understanding _______ in nuclear reactions.
nuclear decay
Name one application of understanding the Line of Stability.
Predicting the behavior of nuclear waste.
True or False: The Line of Stability applies only to naturally occurring isotopes.
False
What is the general trend for the neutron-to-proton ratio as atomic mass increases?
The ratio increases, requiring more neutrons for stability.
