16
QuizMultiple Choice

Nuclear Processes — Test

Question 16 • Physics in the Universe

Which is the best predictor of the radioactive nature of an isotope?

Answer
A
the proton-to-electron ratio
B
the electron-to-proton ratio
C
the neutron-to-proton ratio
D
the neutron-to-electron ratio

Explanation

An isotope’s radioactive stability is best predicted by its neutron-to-proton ratio. Too many or too few neutrons relative to protons can make the nucleus unstable, so the neutron-to-proton ratio is more relevant than ratios involving electrons.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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