NucChem Week 4

BASIC NUCLEAR SCIENCE
First Quarter- Module 4

NUCLEAR STABILITY
MELC 4 Week No. 4 Competency: Solve the magic numbers and Identify the stability of an atom
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BASIC NUCLEAR SCIENCE
QUARTER 1– MODULE 4
NUCLEAR STABILITY
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not represent nor claim ownership over them.
DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

Writer: Chris P. Patron
Content Editor: Roxane S. Villanueva
Language Editor: Roxane S. Villanueva
Layout and Design Editor: Roxane S. Villanueva
Cover Layout Artist: Nemesio S. Cancan Jr.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
OIC-SDS: Romela M. Cruz, CESE
CID Chief: Alyn G. Mendoza, PhDTE
SGOD Chief: Emma G. Arrubio
EPS-in-Charge: Roxane S. Villanueva
EPS-LRMS: Ruby E. Baniqued, EDD
Department of Education – Schools Division Office, Mandaluyong

Office Address: Calbayog St. Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Telephone number: CID- 79552557
E-mail Address:sdo.mandaluyong@deped.gov.ph ● www.depedmandaluyong.org
The following are some reminders in using this module:
1. Handle this module with care. Use a separate sheet in answering the
exercises.
2. Read the directions carefully before doing each task.
3. Activities in this module can be done individually or with the help of
your teacher, home learning partner or knowledge source partner.
4. Finish this module for the intended week.
5. Return this module to the authorized person in charge of retrieval.
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Name : __________________________________________Date:___________Score:__________
COMPONENT: NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

QUARTER 1– MODULE 4
NUCLEAR STABILITY
Objectives:
1. Identify the energy transformations that occur in a coal power station

and in a nuclear reactor.
2. Identify the stability of an atom.
3. Predict and explain why some isotopes are radioactive and how
nuclear decay by particle emission results in a more stable nucleus.
4.compare and contrast nuclear reactions and chemical reactions
5. Explain trends in the relative stability of nuclei
6. Calculate the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in
the nuclide.
7. Sketch the N-Z graph for stable nuclei
PRETEST
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read each question and Circle or darken the letter that
corresponds to the BEST answer. There is only one BEST answer for each
question.
1. What particle determines the atomic number of an atom?
A. Neutron B. Quark C. Proton D. Element
2. Atoms always have the same number of what two atomic particles?
A. Neutrons & neutrinos C. Neutrons & protons
B. Electrons & protons D. Electrons & quarks
3. What element has the most stable isotopes?

A. Iron B. Hydrogen C. Oxygen D. Tin
4. The "magic numbers" for atoms are
A. numbers of electrons that confer atomic stability.

B. numbers of protons and/or neutrons that confer nuclear stability.
C. n/p ratios that confer nuclear stability.
D. atomic masses that confer nuclear stability.
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5. Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?
A. alpha B. beta C. gamma D. x-ray
6. The isotopes and are all stable, while is radioactive.

The mode of decay for is most likely to be
A. Positron B. Alpha C. Beta D. Gamma
7. The isotope is unstable. This is predictable because
A. N/Z ≠ 1 C. N/Z is relatively low and Z < 20

B. Z is small D. N/Z is relatively large and Z < 20
8. Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be unstable?
A. B. C. D.
A. B. C. D.
A. B. C. D.
4
KEY CONCEPTS
Nuclear Stability is a concept that helps to identify the stability of
an isotope. The two main factors that determine nuclear stability
are the neutron/proton ratio and the total number of nucleons in
the nucleus.
A isotope is an element that has same atomic number but different atomic mass
compared to the periodic table. Every element has a proton, neutron, and
electron. The number of protons is equal to the atomic number, and the number
of electrons is equal the protons, unless it is an ion. To determine the number
of neutrons in an element you subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass
of the element. Atomic mass is represented as (A) and atomic number is
represented as (Z) and neutrons are represented as (N).
A=N+Z
The principal factor for determining whether a nucleus is stable is the neutron
to proton ratio. Elements with (Z<20Z<20) are lighter and these elements'
nuclei and have a ratio of 1:1 and prefer to have the same amount of protons
and neutrons.
The graph of stable elements is commonly referred to as the Band (or Belt) of
Stability. The graph consists of a y-axis labeled neutrons, an x-axis labeled
protons, and a nuclei. At the higher end (upper right) of the band of stability lies
the radionuclides that decay via alpha decay, below is positron emission or
electron capture, above is beta emissions and elements beyond the atomic
number of 83 are only unstable radioactive elements. Stable nuclei with atomic
numbers up to about 20 have an neutron:proton ratio of about 1:1 (solid line).
5
REVIEW
Ions and Isotopes Word Search. . DIRECTIONS: Complete the crossword by

filling in a word that fits each clue.
Across Down
5. Another way to write an element 1. One way to show the atomic mass
symbol AND atomic number
7. Everything is made of this 2. Atoms of the same element but with a

different number of neutrons and or
9. Represents the number of protons in atomic mass
an element
3. letters that represent an element
10. A positive ion
4. Atomic number represents this
6. Is a negative ion
8. An atom with a positive or negative

charge
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PART 2. COMPLETE THE STATEMENT.
I have learned that….
I was surprised when I read the

module………
I Understand clearly about…..
INTRODUCTION
The Octet Rule was formulated from the observation that atoms with eight
valence electrons were especially stable (and common). A similar situation applies to
nuclei regarding the number of neutron and proton numbers that generate stable
(non-radioactive) isotopes. These "magic numbers" are natural occurrences in
isotopes that are particularly stable. Table 1 list of numbers of protons and neutrons;
isotopes that have these numbers occurring in either the proton or neutron are
stable. In some cases there the isotopes can consist of magic numbers for both
protons and neutrons; these would be called double magic numbers. The double
numbers only occur for isotopes that are heavier, because the repulsion of the forces
between the protons. The magic numbers are:
proton: 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 114

neutron: 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, 184
Also, there is the concept that isotopes consisting a combination of even-even,

even-odd, odd-even, and odd-odd are all stable. There are more nuclides that have a
combination of even-even than odd-odd. Just like there exist violations to the octet
rule, many isotopes with no magic numbers of nucleons are stable.
The atoms of radioactive elements have an unstable nucleus. As the nucleus

tries to become stable it releases energy (ionizing radiation) and extra protons or
neutrons in the form of alpha or beta particles. Why some elements are radioactive
(unstable). When the atoms of an element have extra neutrons or protons it creates
extra energy in the nucleus and causes the atom to become unbalanced or unstable.
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COLOR SOME ENERGY!
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ACTVITY 1
UNSTABLE OR STABLE.
DIRECTIONS: look the atoms below. place a check in the STABLE

column. If the atom is in the state of nuclear stability, place a check
in the UNSTABLE column. If the atom is not stable.
STATEMENT STABLE UNSTABLE

40
1. 20𝐶𝑎
54
2. 25𝑀𝑛
210
3. 84𝑃𝑜
210
4. 84𝑃𝑜
14
5. 6𝐶
HINT: Here is a simple chart that can help you decide is an element is likely stable.
• Calculate the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in the nuclide.
If the number of nucleons is even, there is a good chance it is stable.
• Are there a magic number of protons or neutrons? 2,8,20,28,50,82,114
(protons), 126 (neutrons), 184 (neutrons) are particularly stable in nuclei.
• Calculate the N/Z ratio and use the belt of stability (Figure 11:) to determine
the best way to get from an unstable nucleus to a stable nucleus.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. If the isotope is located above the band of stability what type of radioactivity
is it? what if it was below?
2. Between elements bromide and carbon which is more stable when using
magic numbers?
3. Name one of the isotopes that consist of odd-odd combination in the nuclei?
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PART 2. NUCLIDE INVESTIGATOR!
Using the CHART BELOW predict if this isotope is Stable or Radioactive.
Identify each nuclide as stable or radioactive.

A. Phosphorus – 30
B. Technetium – 98
C. Tin – 118
D. Plutonium – 239
E. Thorium – 232
F. Calcium – 40
G. Oxygen – 15
H. Lanthanum – 139
I. Tritium – 3
J. Americium - 232
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ACTIVITY 2
WHAT IS MY IDENTITY?
Determine the isotopes as alpha – emitter, Beta, positron or stable. Using the
Chart Below.
1. Barium – 128 2. Americium – 229
3. Cobalt – 61 4. Dysprosium – 166
5. Iodine – 131 6. Argon – 38

7. Aluminum – 27 8. Rubidium – 85
9. Titanium – 46 10. Francium – 200
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GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What makes a nucleus stable?
2. 63Zn is unstable and radioactive. Is its n/p ratio too high or too low? Which
process could lead to stability?
3. How is the stability of a nuclide related to nuclear energy?
4. What are isotopes? Why do different isotopes of the same element have
similar chemistries?
PART 2. COMPARE ME!
The video that you are going to watch will show the difference between chemical
reactions and nuclear reactions. After watching the video, you complete the Venn
Diagram below. Please open your youtube (TITLE: Chemical vs. Nuclear Reactions)
LINK: www.youtube.com/2Fwatch%3Fv/3DjawWDMb6VAQ/26t/3D95s )
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GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What are the two principal differences between nuclear reactions and
chemical reactions?
2. How much more energy comes from nuclear reaction compared to

chemical reaction?
3. Why do reactions release energy?
ACTIVITY 3
BUILD AN ISOTOPE
Objectives
You will learn what happens as atoms attempt to reach stability.
NOTE: You should have a base knowledge in determining atomic structure

(e.g., the atomic mass and atomic number of an atom based on the number of
nucleons).
Materials.
Colored papers Scissors markers glue
At least 21 objects (e.g., candy or small pieces of paper).
10 objects should be the same color or marked with a plus (+) symbol to indicate
they are protons.
10 objects will represent neutrons with no electrical charge.
1 object should be a different color or marked with a minus (-) symbol to indicate it
is an electron.
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REMINDER: the focus of this activity will be on two types of radiation, alpha
particles and beta particles, and how the release of alpha and beta particles
changes the structure of the atom or nucleus. Pretend elements will be used
in the activity to keep the number of nucleons small and manageable.
Generally, the atoms of radioactive elements have a large number of nucleons.
PREPARE THIS:
10 objects to represent neutrons

10 objects to represent protons
1 object to represent an electron
PROCEDURE.
1. Create a pretend radioactive nucleus for Element 1 including 5 neutrons (N)

and 6 protons (P).
2. Demonstrate what happens to Element 1 when the pretend radioactive

nucleus emits an alpha particle and a new element (Element 2) is formed.
Then enter the number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of Element 2.
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Q1: What differences do you observe between the number of protons and
neutrons in Element 2 and Element 1?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
3. Return Element 2 to its original form: Element 1 (5 neutrons and 6 protons).

Demonstrate what happens to Element 1 when it emits a beta particle and a
new element (Element 3) is formed. Then enter the number of neutrons and
protons in the nucleus of Element 3.
Q2: What differences do you observe between the number of protons and
neutrons in Element 3 and Element 1?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
4. Every element has a different number of protons. Q3: What happens to unstable
(radioactive) atoms when they release an alpha or beta particle and the number of
protonschange?__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
5. Observe the changes in the number of protons and neutrons between the two
elements below. Determine whether examples A and B show the release of an alpha
particle or a beta particle. Circle the correct answer.
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CHECK YOUR
UNDERSTANDING
1.How can the periodic table be used as a tool to predict a nuclide’s

properties?
2. How do we determine if a nuclide is stable?

3. How is the stability of a nuclide related to nuclear energy?
POST TEST
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read each question and Circle or darken the letter that
corresponds to the BEST answer. There is only one BEST answer for each
question.
1. What particle determines the atomic number of an atom?
A. Neutron B. Quark C. Proton D. Element
2. Atoms always have the same number of what two atomic particles?
A. Neutrons & neutrinos C. Neutrons & protons

B. Electrons & protons D. Electrons & quarks
3. What element has the most stable isotopes?
A. Iron B. Hydrogen C. Oxygen D. Tin
4. The "magic numbers" for atoms are

A. numbers of electrons that confer atomic stability.
B. numbers of protons and/or neutrons that confer nuclear stability.
C. n/p ratios that confer nuclear stability.
D. atomic masses that confer nuclear stability.
5. Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?
A. alpha B. beta C. gamma D. x-ray
16
6. The isotopes and are all stable, while is radioactive.
The mode of decay for is most likely to be
A. Positron B. Alpha C. Beta D. Gamma
7. The isotope is unstable. This is predictable because
A. N/Z ≠ 1 C. N/Z is relatively low and Z < 20

B. Z is small D. N/Z is relatively large and Z < 20
A. B. C. D.
A. B. C. D.
A. B. C. D.
PART 2. MENTAL AEROBICS.
INSTRUCTION: Read each paragraph or passage below and select the

BEST answer for what is being asked.
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Most elements have emitted, the number of neutrons and
isotopes. For stable isotopes, an protons decreases, creating a more
interesting plot arises when the stable type of atom.
number of neutrons is plotted versus
the number of protons. Because the
plot shows only the stable isotopes, During beta emission, the net effect is
this graph is often called the Nuclear that a neutron becomes a proton by
Belt of Stability. The plot indicates that ejecting an electron from the
lighter nuclides (isotopes) are most nucleus. The overall mass of the
stable when the nuclide remains constant, since
neutron/proton ratio is 1/1. This is a proton and a neutron have
the case with any nucleus that has up approximately the same amount of
to 20 protons. As the atomic mass. However, the result of beta
number increases beyond 20, a decay is that the number of neutrons
different trend becomes apparent. In goes down by one while the number of
this range, it appears that a protons goes up by one. The
stable nucleus is able to accommodate neutron/proton decreases, creating a
more neutrons. Stable isotopes have a more stable nuclide. Thus, when the
higher neutron to proton ratio, rising n/p ratio is high, beta decay is
to 1.5/1 for elements having atomic favorable. This region corresponds to
numbers between 20 and 83. nuclides that would be found above
the band of stability.
An understanding of the Belt of

Stability will allow you to predict how Positron particles have the
unstable nuclides will decay. The same mass as an electron, but have a
typical modes of radioactive decay are +1 charge. When a positron is ejected
alpha decay, beta decay from the nucleus,
and electron capture (or positron the neutron to proton ratio increases.
emission). The net effect here is that
a proton turns into a
neutron. Another type of radioactive
During alpha decay, the mass decay, electron capture, involves
number of the nuclide decreases by 4 absorption of an inner shell electron by
units and the number of protons the nucleus. The electron is
decreases by 2. This type of decay is incorporated with a proton, creating a
associated with heavy, unstable neutron. Again,
nuclides. Since no stable isotopes exist the neutron to proton ratio increases.
above atomic number 83, alpha decay Both positron emission
stabilizes those isotopes having a Z and electron emission occur to
value greater than 83 by lowering both nuclides that are found below the
the mass number and the atomic band of stability.
number. As an alpha particle is
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GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. Carbon-14 is a radioactive form of a very common element.

Its nucleus consists of 6 protons and 8 neutrons. The most abundant and
stable form of carbon, carbon-12, has 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Where is
carbon-14 relative to carbon-12 on the band of stability?
2. The band of stability is above the line on the graph that has a slope of
1. What does this indicate about the number of protons and neutrons for the
majority of elements?
3. What type of decay would stabilize an atom of uranium-238? The atomic

number of uranium is 92.
4. A nuclide has 90 neutrons and 60 protons. Will this nuclide undergo

decay? If so, what type?
5. A hypothetical isotope has 60 protons and 60 neutrons. What type of

radioactive decay would it most likely undergo?
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Question Group #2
Directions and/or Common Information:
1. Identify the region of the region of the graph associated with beta emission.
2. Identify the region of the region of the graph associated with the emission of
alpha particles.
3. Identify the region of the region of the graph associated with electron capture
or positron emission.
Something to Think About: Imagine a chemist was trying to create

an atom with 60 protons and a mass number of 155. Would this be
possible? Why or why not? (SHOW where it would fall on the graph).
References:
Wilbraham, Stanley, Matta, and Waterman.(2010). Prentice hall Chemistry,
Pearson / Prentice Hall Inc.
Silberberg, Amateis. (2017). Chemistry the Molecular Nature of Matter and Change
8th ed. McGraw-Hill Education
20
Keller, Rebecca W. Phd.(2013). Focus on High School Chemistry Student Textbook.
Real Science – 4 – Teens
Nucleon and isotopes Homework. Accessed June 16, 2020
https://www.cardinalspellman.org/ourpages/Ms_Harrison/9%20%20Nuclear/Nuc
leons%20and%20Isotopes%20Homework.pdf
Navigating Nuclear Energizing our World. Accessed June 18, 2020

https://www.navigatingnuclear.com/static/media/ANS-Lesson-Decoding-
Decay.bffc35d4.pdf
Nuclear Chemistry. Accessed June 17, 2020

https://www.mcvts.net/cms/lib/NJ01911694/Centricity/Domain/136/chap24.pd
f
Patterns of Nuclear Stability. Accessed June 17, 2020

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_Chemistry_
_The_Central_Science_(Brown_et_al.)/21%3A_Nuclear_Chemistry/21.2%3A_Pattern
s_of_Nuclear_Stability
Brown, LeMay, and Bursten.(2006). Chemistry the Central Science 10th Ed.
Prentice Hall inc.
Nuclear Chem. Chapter20. Accessed June 18, 2020
http://www2.onu.edu/~s-bates/chem172/Ch20PresStudent.pdf
Exploring Radioactivity. Accessed June 18, 2020

https://betterlesson.com/lesson/635373/exploring-radioactivity
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Schools Division Office-Mandaluyong

Calbayog Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City 1500
Telefax: (632) 79552557
Email Address: sdo.mandaluyong@deped.gov.ph

●www.depedmandaluyong.org
21

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BASIC NUCLEAR SCIENCE

First Quarter- Module 4

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

Department of Education – Schools Division Office, Mandaluyong

COMPONENT: NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

1. Identify the energy transformations that occur in a coal power station

1. What particle determines the atomic number of an atom?

A. Neutron B. Quark C. Proton D. Element

3. What element has the most stable isotopes?

4. The "magic numbers" for atoms are

A. numbers of electrons that confer atomic stability.

A. alpha B. beta C. gamma D. x-ray

6. The isotopes and are all stable, while is radioactive.

A. Positron B. Alpha C. Beta D. Gamma

7. The isotope is unstable. This is predictable because

A. N/Z ≠ 1 C. N/Z is relatively low and Z < 20

8. Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be unstable?

9. Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be unstable?

10. Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be unstable?

Ions and Isotopes Word Search. . DIRECTIONS: Complete the crossword by

7. Everything is made of this 2. Atoms of the same element but with a

8. An atom with a positive or negative

I have learned that….

I was surprised when I read the

I Understand clearly about…..

proton: 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 114

Also, there is the concept that isotopes consisting a combination of even-even,

The atoms of radioactive elements have an unstable nucleus. As the nucleus

DIRECTIONS: look the atoms below. place a check in the STABLE

STATEMENT STABLE UNSTABLE

Using the CHART BELOW predict if this isotope is Stable or Radioactive.

Identify each nuclide as stable or radioactive.

1. Barium – 128 2. Americium – 229

3. Cobalt – 61 4. Dysprosium – 166

5. Iodine – 131 6. Argon – 38

9. Titanium – 46 10. Francium – 200

1. What makes a nucleus stable?

3. How is the stability of a nuclide related to nuclear energy?

PART 2. COMPARE ME!

2. How much more energy comes from nuclear reaction compared to

3. Why do reactions release energy?

You will learn what happens as atoms attempt to reach stability.

NOTE: You should have a base knowledge in determining atomic structure

At least 21 objects (e.g., candy or small pieces of paper).

10 objects will represent neutrons with no electrical charge.

10 objects to represent neutrons

1. Create a pretend radioactive nucleus for Element 1 including 5 neutrons (N)

2. Demonstrate what happens to Element 1 when the pretend radioactive

3. Return Element 2 to its original form: Element 1 (5 neutrons and 6 protons).

1.How can the periodic table be used as a tool to predict a nuclide’s

2. How do we determine if a nuclide is stable?

1. What particle determines the atomic number of an atom?

A. Neutron B. Quark C. Proton D. Element

A. Neutrons & neutrinos C. Neutrons & protons

3. What element has the most stable isotopes?

A. Iron B. Hydrogen C. Oxygen D. Tin

4. The "magic numbers" for atoms are

5. Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?

A. alpha B. beta C. gamma D. x-ray

A. Positron B. Alpha C. Beta D. Gamma

7. The isotope is unstable. This is predictable because

A. N/Z ≠ 1 C. N/Z is relatively low and Z < 20

8. Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be unstable?

9. Which of the following isotopes is most likely to be unstable?