(1) C-12 and N-14
(2)C-12 and N-16
(3) C-14 and N-14
(4)C-14 and N-16
i know the answer is (4) but why?
2007-05-27 09:05:27 · 6 answers · asked by s.weiss 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Because reference table N says so. Basically, it has a mix of protons and neutrons in the nucleus that is unstable, and that's why it decays. Other isotopes are more stable.
2007-05-27 09:08:24 · answer #1 · answered by anonymous_20003 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Calculate the proton to neutron ratios for all of the species. These are fairly smaller species so you want an Z/N ratio right around 1. Species with ratios less than 1 are NOT stable.
(1)C-12 and N-14 are 1.00 exactly
(2) C-12 wouldn't decay but N-16 would (7 protons/9 neutrons)
(3) C-14 isn't stable but N-14 has a ratio of 1.00 so it is
(4) both are unstable so decay happens
2007-05-27 09:45:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
4
2016-12-04 11:31:30 · answer #3 · answered by Jen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only in 4 both isotopes are unstable and therefore radioactive. C-12 and N-14 are the stable, most abundat isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. they practically do not decay.
2007-05-27 09:18:20 · answer #4 · answered by chem_freak 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
(3) C-14 and N-14
2007-05-27 09:16:10 · answer #5 · answered by African 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You did not give us nor refer us to the unknowable reference table N. So we do not know what you are talking about. The answerer who replied that the nuclei in (4) have an excess of neutrons to protons was correct. So award him full points.
2007-05-27 09:21:35 · answer #6 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋