Question

(06.06r mc) which would you most expect to be an unstable atom? a carbon (c) atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons an iron (fe) atom with 26 protons and 27 neutrons a helium (he) atom with 2 protons and 2 neutrons a curium (cm) atom with 96 protons and 85 neutrons

Explanation:

Stable atoms usually have a balanced ratio of protons and neutrons. Curium - 96 is a heavy - element. A curium atom with 96 protons and only 85 neutrons has an unusual and unbalanced proton - neutron ratio. Lighter elements like carbon, iron, and helium in the given forms have more typical and stable proton - neutron combinations.

Answer:

D. A curium (Cm) atom with 96 protons and 85 neutrons