Consider the following statements regarding Aluminum-26. Aluminum-26 i...
Background:
Aluminum-26 is an isotope of aluminum that has 13 protons and 13 neutrons. It is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 717,000 years. This means that over time, half of the aluminum-26 atoms in a sample will decay into other elements.
Statement 1: Aluminum-26 is a non-radioactive isotope that decays over time.
This statement is incorrect. Aluminum-26 is a radioactive isotope, meaning it undergoes radioactive decay over time. As mentioned earlier, it has a half-life of about 717,000 years, which means that after this period, half of the aluminum-26 atoms will have decayed into other elements. Therefore, statement 1 is false.
Statement 2: Aluminum-26 played a significant role in heating small rocks in the early Solar System, leading to the formation of planets.
This statement is correct. Aluminum-26 is an important radionuclide in the early Solar System. When the Solar System was forming, there were many small rocks and dust particles present. These rocks contained various elements, including aluminum-26. As aluminum-26 undergoes radioactive decay, it releases energy in the form of heat. This heat played a significant role in the heating and melting of these small rocks, contributing to the formation of planets. The heat generated by the decay of aluminum-26 helped to differentiate the rocks, leading to the separation of heavier elements towards the core and lighter elements towards the surface. This process, known as planetary differentiation, is crucial for the formation of planets with distinct layers and compositions. Therefore, statement 2 is true.
Conclusion:
Based on the above explanation, we can conclude that statement 1 is incorrect as aluminum-26 is a radioactive isotope. However, statement 2 is correct as aluminum-26 played a significant role in heating small rocks in the early Solar System, leading to the formation of planets. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - 2 only.
Consider the following statements regarding Aluminum-26. Aluminum-26 i...
- Aluminum-26, a radioactive isotope that decays over time and is crucial for understanding the formation of the Solar System.
- Aluminum-26’s decay played a significant role in heating small rocks in the early Solar System, leading to the formation of planets