Radioactive isotopes a. have an excess number of neutrons. b. behave the same chemically and physically but differ biologically from other isotopes. c. are electrically unbalanced. d. are the same physically and biologically but differ from other isotopes chemically.

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Chemistry

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5 October, 18:25

Radioactive isotopes a. have an excess number of neutrons. b. behave the same chemically and physically but differ biologically from other isotopes. c. are electrically unbalanced. d. are the same physically and biologically but differ from other isotopes chemically.

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Miriam · Answer 1

a. have an excess number of neutrons.

Explanation:

Every atomic nucleus have a specific neutron/proton ratio that makes them stable. Any nucleus with a neutron/proton ratio that differs from the stability ration will become unstable. An unstable nucleus will split up and emit small particles of matter and/electromagnetic ionizing radiation. This makes an atom radioactive.

Therefore, an atom with excess number of neutrons is a radioactive isotope.