Question

Put the elements 14 N, 16 O, and 40Ar in order of increasing nuclear stability and justify your answer mathematically.

please show all work, units, and equations!

Answer 1

The stability of an isotope is identified on the concept of Nuclear Stability . It mainly depends on the two factors i.e. the neutron/proton ratio and the total number of nucleons in the nucleus. However, every element has a proton, neutron, and electron. In addition, the number of protons is equal to the atomic number, and the number of electrons is equal the protons, unless it is an ion. In order to determine the number of neutrons in an element you subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass of the element. Here, atomic mass is represented as (A) and atomic number is represented as (Z) and neutrons are represented as (N).

Then, A = N + Z or N= A-Z

For 14 N, A= 14 and Z= 7

Then, N=14-7= 7

The N:P ratio therefore is 7:7 or a 1:1. This is a stable ratio that lies on the Belt of Stability.

For 16 O: A=16 and Z=8

Then, N=16-8=8

The N:P ratio therefore is 8:8 or a 1:1. This is also a stable ratio that lies on the Belt of Stability. Also it satisfies Magic Number.

For 40 Ar: A=40 and Z=18

Then, N=40-18=22

The N:P ratio therefore is 22:18 or a 1.2:1. This is also a stable ratio that lies on the Belt of Stability.

Thus, Orderd of Nuclear stability is 16 O > 14 N > 40 Ar

The 16O contains 8 protons and 8 neutrons (even-even)