Uranium exists in nature chiefly as the isotopes and .
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties
Problem
Uranium exists in nature chiefly as the isotopes 92235U and 92238U.
(i) For each isotope, calculate the number of neutrons present.
(ii) Compute the neutron–proton ratio for each isotope.
(iii) Determine the percentage increase in the neutron–proton ratio when moving from 92235U to 92238U.
(iv) Explain, with reference to the calculated ratios and general trends in nuclear stability, why the heavier isotope is more susceptible to α-decay than the lighter one.