Why do neon and magnesium each have three stable isotopes while sodium and aluminum each have only one?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.
2. Recognize that the stability of isotopes is influenced by the balance between protons and neutrons in the nucleus, as well as nuclear forces.
3. Consider that elements with a balanced ratio of protons to neutrons tend to have more stable isotopes. Neon and magnesium have atomic numbers 10 and 12, respectively, which allow for multiple stable neutron configurations.
4. Note that sodium and aluminum, with atomic numbers 11 and 13, respectively, may have fewer stable neutron configurations due to their specific proton-neutron ratios, leading to fewer stable isotopes.
5. Acknowledge that nuclear stability is also influenced by factors such as nuclear binding energy and magic numbers, which are specific numbers of nucleons that result in more stable nuclei.