Textbook Problem

It states in Section 19.1 of your text that approximately

nuclides are known. How can this be possible if there are only about 100 elements?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Interpret the production of approx 2000 nuclide or isotope from 100 element.

Concept Introduction:

The decaying of an atom takes place by three type of decay such as alpha decay, beta decay, gama decay.

In alpha decay, an alpha particle with mass 4m and electron 2e removed from nuclide while in beta decay two type of decay are possible beta (+) and beta (-). In gamma decay, nuclide will remain same to the original one.

Answer to Problem 1ALQ

100 elements can be managed to produce 2000 nuclides.

Explanation of Solution

An atom turns into nuclide by the process of 3 type of decay such as alpha, beta or gama decay. And the nuclide produced from original atom may further undergoes process of decaying to releases another particle to produce stable nuclide. In gamma decay, nuclide will remain same to the original one.

In this way a single atom may produce 3 to 5 or more number of nuclide with different mass number and atomic number combination or different isotope.

Thus, 100 elements can be managed to produce 2000 nuclides.

Conclusion

Hence, 100 elements can be managed to produce 2000 nuclides.