Which of the following is the most stable element?a)Uraniumb)Hydrogen...
Introduction:
The stability of an element refers to its ability to resist decay or undergo chemical reactions. It is determined by the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom. In this context, we will discuss the stability of the elements Uranium, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Lead.
Stability of Uranium:
Uranium is a radioactive element with atomic number 92. It has several isotopes, but the most common one is uranium-238. This isotope is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay over time. As a result, uranium is not considered the most stable element.
Stability of Hydrogen:
Hydrogen is the lightest and simplest element in the periodic table. It has only one proton and one electron. Hydrogen can exist in three isotopic forms: protium, deuterium, and tritium. Protium, the most common isotope, is stable. However, tritium is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 12 years. Therefore, hydrogen is not the most stable element.
Stability of Oxygen:
Oxygen is a chemical element with atomic number 8. It is a highly reactive element and readily forms compounds with other elements. Oxygen exists naturally as a diatomic molecule (O2) and is essential for life on Earth. While oxygen is relatively stable in its molecular form, it is not considered the most stable element.
Stability of Lead:
Lead is a chemical element with atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal and has four stable isotopes: lead-204, lead-206, lead-207, and lead-208. These isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay, making lead relatively stable. It is also a poor conductor of electricity and has low reactivity with other elements, further contributing to its stability. Due to these reasons, lead is considered the most stable element among the options provided.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, lead is the most stable element among uranium, hydrogen, oxygen, and lead. It has four stable isotopes and exhibits low reactivity and resistance to decay.
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