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Magic Numbers quiz

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Terms in this set (15)

  • What is the neutron-to-proton ratio for maximum stability in elements with atomic mass less than 20?
    The neutron-to-proton ratio should be 1 for maximum stability in elements with atomic mass less than 20.
  • How does the neutron-to-proton ratio for stable isotopes change as atomic mass increases above 200?
    For elements with atomic mass above 200, the stable neutron-to-proton ratio should be less than 2, ideally around 1.85.
  • How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom?
    Subtract the atomic number (Z) from the atomic mass (A): Neutrons = A - Z.
  • How many stable isotopes exist with both an even number of protons and neutrons?
    There are about 163 stable isotopes with both an even number of protons and neutrons.
  • What is the number of stable isotopes with an even number of protons and an odd number of neutrons?
    There are 53 stable isotopes with an even number of protons and an odd number of neutrons.
  • How many stable isotopes have both an odd number of protons and neutrons?
    Only about 5 stable isotopes have both an odd number of protons and neutrons.
  • Name one stable isotope with an odd number of protons and neutrons.
    Deuterium (²H or D) is a stable isotope with an odd number of protons and neutrons.
  • What is the significance of 'magic numbers' in nuclear chemistry?
    Magic numbers represent the ideal numbers of protons or neutrons that confer extra stability to a nucleus.
  • List the magic numbers for protons.
    The magic numbers for protons are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 114.
  • List the magic numbers for neutrons.
    The magic numbers for neutrons are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, and 184.
  • What term is used to refer collectively to protons and neutrons in the nucleus?
    Protons and neutrons in the nucleus are collectively called nucleons.
  • Why are noble gases considered stable in terms of electrons?
    Noble gases are stable because their outer electron shells are completely filled.
  • How does the concept of magic numbers for nucleons relate to the stability of isotopes?
    Isotopes with a magic number of protons or neutrons are unusually stable.
  • What is the atomic number symbol and what does it represent?
    The atomic number symbol is Z, and it represents the number of protons in an atom.
  • What is the average number of stable isotopes with an even number of neutrons and an odd number of protons?
    There are about 50 stable isotopes with an even number of neutrons and an odd number of protons.