Rankers Physics

Nucleus: Practice Problem & Solution

The nuclei of which one of the following pairs of nuclei are isotones? (2005)
$_{34}Se^{74}, _{31}Ga^{71}$
$_{42}Mo^{92}, _{40}Zr^{92}$
$_{38}Sr^{84}, _{38}Sr^{86}$
$_{20}Ca^{40}, _{16}S^{32}$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Nucleus. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Isotones are nuclei with the same number of neutrons ($N = A - Z$). For $_{34}Se^{74}$, $N = 74 - 34 = 40$. For $_{31}Ga^{71}$, $N = 71 - 31 = 40$. Since both have 40 neutrons, they are isotones.

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