Nuclear Stability and Radioactive Decay (TBR Exam 1)

[pm1]

A passage in the test shows a table of a list of elements going through radioactive decay. These decays result in a new nucleus.

One of the nucleus formed is "californium". Californium is also used as a reactant for radioactive decay.

Then, one of the questions asks:

"What can be concluded about the stability of californium..?"

I chose:

A. It is less stable than most; thus it is used as a reactant element in the synthesis of other actinides.

HOWEVER, the right answer is:

B. It is more stable than most; thus it is used as a reactant element in the synthesis of other actinides.

The explanation states that "The more stable the nucleus, the more easily it can be used as a reactant for radioactive decay".

This seems counterintuitive. I was under the impression that the nucleus of a radioisotope is unstable. In an attempt to reach a more stable arrangement of its protons and neutrons, the nucleus will spontaneously decompose to form a different nucleus. Thus, if the nucleus is stable it would NOT go under radioactive decay.. 😕

Any help would be highly appreciated! 🙂

Thanks!

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[sazerac]

It's kind of a fine line...

if it was really super unstable, it would be hard to use it as a reactant because it would be gone before you had a chance to use it.

if it was really super stable, it would be a pain in the butt to use as a reactant because it wouldn't do much.

the question could have been worded better.