Question

Compared with ³¹P, the radioactive isotope ³²P has

(A) a different atomic number.

(B) one more proton.

(C) one more electron.

(D) one more neutron.

Short answer

(A) The statement “a different atomic number” is false.

(B) The statement “one more proton” is false.

(C) The statement “one more electron” is false.

(D) The statement “one more neutron” is true.

Step-by-step solution

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

The atoms consist of three different subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. The atomic number corresponds to a number of protons.

The radioisotopes such as³¹P and ³²P do not differ in the number of protons, so the atomic number difference is not seen in these two radioisotopes.

Thus, the atomic number is not the influencing factor in the radioisotopes.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Protons are the positively charged particles present in the nucleus of the atom. Radioisotopes are elements that are not related to the numberof protons. The difference in ³¹P and ³²P is not due to the presence of one more proton.

Thus, radioactive isotopes are elements that are unrelatedto protons.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Electrons are negatively charged particles that revolve around the nucleus of the atom. These electrons are not the difference between two radioisotopes. The difference in ³¹P and ³²P is not due to the presence of one more electron.

Thus, electrons are negatively charged particles that are not responsible for the difference between the radioisotopes.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Radioisotopes are the elements that possess the radioactive property. Mainly radioisotopes are used for nuclear fission and fusion reactions because they can liberate large amounts of energy in the form of radiation.

The radioisotopes differ in the neutron number from the other radioisotopes. The neutron number is the number of neutral molecules present with the atom.

The difference in ³¹P and ³²P is due to the presence of one more neutron.

Therefore, the given statement is true.