Band of Stability Worksheet
Explore the concept of the band of stability, nuclear stability, and radioactive decay with this Grade 11 Chemistry worksheet.
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Band of Stability Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and provide your best answer. Some questions may require you to recall information about nuclear stability and radioactive decay.
1. What does the 'Band of Stability' represent on a plot of neutrons vs. protons?
The region where all isotopes are radioactive.
The range of stable neutron-to-proton ratios for isotopes.
The area where only alpha decay occurs.
The maximum number of neutrons an atom can have.
2. Nuclei above the band of stability typically undergo which type of radioactive decay?
Alpha decay
Beta decay (electron emission)
Positron emission
Gamma decay
3. The primary force responsible for holding the nucleus together is the .
4. For lighter elements, stable nuclei generally have a neutron-to-proton ratio of approximately .
5. All isotopes with an atomic number greater than 83 are radioactive.
True
False
6. Electron capture is a form of radioactive decay that increases the neutron-to-proton ratio.
True
False
7. Explain why heavier elements tend to have a higher neutron-to-proton ratio in their stable isotopes compared to lighter elements.
8. Describe the two main factors that determine the stability of an atomic nucleus.