According to the provided text, which of the following is a characteristic of the band of stability on a plot of neutrons (N) vs. protons (Z)? A) It forms a wide band with roughly... According to the provided text, which of the following is a characteristic of the band of stability on a plot of neutrons (N) vs. protons (Z)? A) It forms a wide band with roughly similar numbers of protons and neutrons B) It mainly shows stable nuclides with N/Z less than 1. C) It shows a narrow band that curves below the line for N=Z. D) It narrows as Z increases and curves above the line for N=Z.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to identify a characteristic of the band of stability in the context of nuclear stability, based on a plot of neutrons versus protons. It requires understanding nuclear physics concepts, particularly the relationship between neutrons and protons in stable nuclides.
Answer
It narrows as Z increases and curves above the line for N=Z.
It narrows as Z increases and curves above the line for N=Z.
Answer for screen readers
It narrows as Z increases and curves above the line for N=Z.
More Information
The band of stability represents stable atomic nuclei on a neutron vs. proton plot. For heavier elements, the band becomes narrower and lies above the N=Z line because more neutrons than protons are needed for stability.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume the N=Z line represents stability for all elements, while it applies only to light elements.
Sources
- Nuclear Physics - The Expert TA - theexpertta.com
- Neutron Stability in Atomic Nuclei – Of Particular Significance - profmattstrassler.com
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