Which one of the following pairs of nuclei are isotones ?
- 34Se74, 31Ga71
- 38Sr84, 38Sr86
- 42Mo92, 40Zr92
- 20Ca40, 16S32
Answer
(1) 34Se74, 31Ga71
Solution
Isotones are nuclides having the same number of neutrons, N = A - Z.
(1) Se: N = 74 - 34 = 40; Ga: N = 71 - 31 = 40 ⇒ same N, isotones.
(2) Sr: N = 46 and 48 (same Z) ⇒ isotopes.
(3) Mo, Zr: same A = 92 ⇒ isobars (N = 50 and 52).
(4) Ca: N = 20; S: N = 16 ⇒ not isotones.
Answer: (1)