Question

Radioactivity depends on the nucleus and not the atom or its chemical state. Why, then, is one kilogram of uranium more radioactive than one kilogram of uranium hexafluoride?

a) Uranium hexafluoride has more neutrons.

b) Uranium hexafluoride has fewer neutrons.

c) Uranium hexafluoride has more protons.

d) Uranium hexafluoride has fewer protons.

Answer 1

Radioactivity depends on the nucleus and not the atom or its chemical state. Uranium hexafluoride has a higher proton-to-neutron ratio, making it less stable and more radioactive than uranium.

Step-by-step explanation:

Radioactivity depends on the nucleus and not the atom or its chemical state. One kilogram of uranium is more radioactive than one kilogram of uranium hexafluoride because uranium hexafluoride has more protons than uranium. The number of protons in the nucleus affects the stability of the atom, and uranium hexafluoride has a higher proton-to-neutron ratio, making it less stable and more radioactive.