Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 21 - Nuclear Chemistry - Exercises - Page 947: 21.21a

Answer

Potassium - 40 is the radioisotope. It contains 21 neutrons as compared to K-39's 20 which makes it unstable. It, however, is a very long lived isotope.

Work Step by Step

Potassium - 39 is the stable isotope because its ratio of Neutrons to Protons is perfect for stability.
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.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays
GradeSaver will pay $25 for your college application essays
GradeSaver will pay $50 for your graduate school essays – Law, Business, or Medical
GradeSaver will pay $10 for your Community Note contributions
GradeSaver will pay $500 for your Textbook Answer contributions