Question

question: how can we predict whether an isotope will be stable or radioactive? 1. observe: use the gizmo to create a carbon - 12 isotope. a. is this isotope stable or radioactive? b. add a neutron to create carbon - 13. is this isotope stable or radioactive? c. add another neutron. is this isotope stable or radioactive? d. what is the half - life of this isotope?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall carbon - 12 properties

Carbon - 12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons and is a stable isotope.

Step2: Recall carbon - 13 properties

Carbon - 13 has 6 protons and 7 neutrons and is also a stable isotope.

Step3: Identify the third isotope

Adding another neutron to carbon - 13 gives carbon - 14 which has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. Carbon - 14 is radioactive.

Step4: Recall carbon - 14 half - life

The half - life of carbon - 14 is approximately 5730 years.

Answer:

A. Stable
B. Stable
C. Radioactive
D. Approximately 5730 years