Name: Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 14 min 43 s
Description: Nuclear chemistry is the sub-field of chemistry dealing with radioactivity, nuclear processes and transformations such as nuclear transmutation.

Question

How does

N / Z

ratio affects the nuclear stability? Explain with a suitable diagram.

Accepted Answer

i) Figure shows a plot of the neutron number $(N)$ as a function of proton number $(Z)$ in stable nuclides. Many elements have several stable isotopes. Hence, the curve appears as a belt or zone called stability zone. All the stable nuclides fall within this zone. The nuclides which form outside such belt are radioactive. The straight line below the belt represents the ratio $N / Z$ to be nearly unity.

ii) As may be noticed for nuclei lighter than ${}_{20}^{40}{Ca},$ one observes the straight line $(N = Z)$ passing through the belt. The lighter nuclides are therefore stable ( $N / Z$ being $1$ ).

iii) The $N / Z$ ratio for the stable nuclides heavier than calcium gives a curved appearance to the belt with gradually increase of $N / Z (> 1)$ .

The heavier nuclides therefore, need more number of neutrons (than protons) to attain stability. The heavier nuclides with the increasing number of protons render large coulombic repulsions. With increased number of neutrons the protons within the nuclei get more separated, which renders them stable.

How does $N / Z$ ratio affects the nuclear stability? Explain with a suitable diagram.

Important Questions on Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !

How does N/Z ratio affects the nuclear stability? Explain with a suitable diagram.

Important Questions on Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !

How does $N / Z$ ratio affects the nuclear stability? Explain with a suitable diagram.