How to Tell if an element is radioactive

AI Thread Summary
An element with a neutron to proton (N/P) ratio of 1.2 or higher is generally considered radioactive, but there are exceptions, particularly among synthetic isotopes. Some synthetic isotopes, such as Cl-36 and P-32, have N/P ratios below 1.2 and are still radioactive due to their beta-emitting properties. The discussion highlights the distinction between naturally occurring radionuclides, which typically have higher N/P ratios, and synthetic isotopes that can be radioactive regardless of their N/P ratio. Identifying synthetic isotopes often requires familiarity with specific isotopes, as there is no simple trick to determine their synthetic nature.
dionysian
Messages
51
Reaction score
1
My teacher mentioned that if an element has a neutron to proton ratio of 1.2 or higher than the element is radioactive. He also said there is on exception to this when the N/P ratio is lower than 1.2, but i didnt understand him. I cannot find this one exception in my book or on the internet. Can someone please help me here?
 
  • Like
Likes Angelina Basudas
Chemistry news on Phys.org
There are many synthetic isotopes with n/p < 1.2 that are beta emitters (eg: Cl-36, P-32). I don't know of any naturally occurring radionuclides with n/p < 1.2

Perhaps the folks over a Nuclear Engineering will have a better idea?
 
Yes, Yes that was it. I believe he said that if the isotope is synthetic it is radioactive. But, doesn't that meen all synthetic isotopes are radioactive. And how can i tell if a certain isotope is synthetic...? do you just have to know them or is there a trick.

Pardon my lack of chemistry knowledge, I am just starting.
 
I want to test a humidity sensor with one or more saturated salt solutions. The table salt that I have on hand contains one of two anticaking agents, calcium silicate or sodium aluminosilicate. Will the presence of either of these additives (or iodine for that matter) significantly affect the equilibrium humidity? I searched and all the how-to-do-it guides did not address this question. One research paper I found reported that at 1.5% w/w calcium silicate increased the deliquescent point by...

Similar threads

Back
Top