Question
5. An element has 50 protons and 90 neutrons. Will the nucleus breakdown? Why or why not?
Answer
4.6
(344 Votes)
Gregory
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
No, the nucleus will not breakdown. This is because the atomic number of the element is 50, which is less than 83. Nuclei with an atomic number of 83 or less are generally stable.
Explanation
## Step 1: Identify the atomic number of the element. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the atomic number is 50.## Step 2: Determine the stability of the nucleus. Nuclei with an atomic number of 83 or less are generally stable. If the atomic number is greater than 83, the nucleus is likely to be unstable due to the balance of the strong nuclear force and the electromagnetic force. ## Step 3: Apply this knowledge to the given problem. The atomic number of the element in question is 50, which is less than 83. Therefore, the nucleus should be stable.