Which nuclide in each pair would you expect to have the longer half-life? a. Cs-149 or Cs-139 b. Fe-45 or Fe-52

Key Concepts

Half-Life

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. It is a key concept in nuclear chemistry and helps in understanding the stability of isotopes. A longer half-life indicates a more stable nuclide, as it decays more slowly compared to those with shorter half-lives.

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay. The type of decay and the energy released can influence the half-life of a nuclide, affecting its stability and longevity.

Nuclear Stability

Nuclear stability refers to the tendency of a nucleus to remain intact without undergoing radioactive decay. Factors influencing stability include the ratio of neutrons to protons and the overall binding energy of the nucleus. Generally, isotopes with a balanced neutron-to-proton ratio are more stable and exhibit longer half-lives.