Band of stability

The Band of stability is the range of the Number of Neutrons vs Number of Protons for Stable Nuclei graph that plots all stable nuclei. The band of stability can be used when looking at isotopes in order to determine how an element will undergo radioactive decay. An example of this table can be seen here:

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Weighing the right way

In order to determine where an element lands on the graph, one must look at the periodic table of elements. First, we must determine how many neutrons are contained in the isotope in question. To do that, subtract the number of the number of protons (dictated by the isotope's periodic number) from the atomic mass of the closest common isotope. Do that again for the isotope you are dealing with. Compare the number of neutrons in each to find out where it lays on the band. Then, you may determine the type of radiation emitted.

See also

• Alpha Radiation
• Beta Radiation