Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (3rd Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321809246
ISBN 13: 978-0-32180-924-7

Chapter 19 - Sections 19.1-19.12 - Exercises - Problems by Topic - Page 946: 44

Answer

(a) Cs-139 (b) Fe-52

Work Step by Step

The isotope with mass number close to the molar mass of the element is more stable and therefore it has longer half-life. (a) Molar mass of Cs is $132.9\,u$. The isotope with mass number close to $132.9$ is Cs-139. Therefore, longer half-life is expected for Cs-139. (b) Molar mass of Fe is $55.845\,u$. The isotope with mass number close to $55.845$ is Fe-52. Therefore, Fe-52 is expected to have a longer half-life.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.