Transcript Nuclear Stability

Nuclear Stability
Relative Stability of Different Nuclei
Two Methods
• Which isotopes?
• Binding Energy
What holds an atom together?
Forces of Nature and Atomic Structure:
Band (Island) of Stability
N/Z ratio
Number of stable isotopes
Isotope trends among the elements:
Binding Energy, but first…
Comparing stability:
O-O single bond strength = 146 kJ/mol
O=O double bond strength = 496 kJ/mol
Which is more stable, O2 or O3?
O2:
O=O
O3:
O=O-O
Predict what you think the trend will be:
As atomic number increases, what will happen
to stability?
Split up class and do:
Do all isotopes using Excel
Isotopedata_stable.xls
Modes of Radioactive Decay
U-238 Decay Series
And … the
problem with radon.
Decay modes and
the island of stability.