2007-08-10 16:30:33 · 4 answers · asked by curios 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
There are a lot of tricks in nuclear physics like looking at proton to neutron ratio and magic numbers where the shells are full. Ultimately, the quickest way is to look it up on the table of nucleides.
2007-08-10 16:33:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a simple calculation. Look at a text on physical chemistry. You're balancing the strong force against the electrostatic repulsion between the protons. That's what determines the stability of the nucleus, therefore the atom.
Even electron shells are complex and require consideration of quantum spin. The order of filling the shells isn't straightforward.
2007-08-11 08:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. There has been some controversy lately about the stability of a proton (and therefore of all atoms) but the half-life is an incredibly long time, much more that the projected lifetime of the universe. I would not be too concerned. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_decay
2007-08-10 16:36:58 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please think about transitional elements first in the periodic table.Some elements with large atomic numbers are unstable in nature.
You can eliminate the most unstable one first.
Need some knowledge in quantum chemistry in order to study this problem.
2007-08-11 09:29:25 · answer #4 · answered by chanljkk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋