Question

This element has more neutrons than any other Noble Gas.

A) Xenon
B) Radon
C) Krypton
D) Argon

Answer 1

Among the Noble Gases, Radon has the highest number of neutrons due to its atomic structure, with Radon-222 having 136 neutrons. The element with more neutrons than any other Noble Gas is Radon. Thus the correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of neutrons in an element can be determined by subtracting the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons). In the case of noble gases, the mass number is primarily determined by the number of neutrons, as they have stable electron configurations. Among the options provided, Radon (Rn) has the highest atomic number, and consequently, it has more neutrons than any other noble gas. The atomic number of Radon is 86, and its most common isotope, Radon-222, has a mass number of 222. Therefore, the number of neutrons in Radon-222 is calculated as \( 222 - 86 = 136 \), making it the noble gas with the most neutrons.

Understanding the composition of atoms, including the relationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons, is fundamental to grasping the properties and behaviors of elements. Radon, as a noble gas, exhibits stability due to its full outer electron shell, and its specific isotope, Radon-222, stands out for having the highest number of neutrons among the noble gases. This information is valuable in the study of atomic structure and helps elucidate the characteristics that differentiate elements within the periodic table.

Answer 2

Radon (Rn) has the highest number of neutrons among the noble gases, making it the correct answer to the question.

Thus option B) Radon. is correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The noble gases from Group 18 include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn). These elements are known for being unreactive due to their filled valence shells, making them historically known as inert gases or rare gases.

Noble gases are often used in applications that take advantage of their stability, such as in the creation of inert atmospheres for chemical reactions and in various lighting systems.

Answering the question posed by the student regarding which noble gas has more neutrons than any others, it's important to look at the atomic structure of these elements.

Specifically, we need to consider the number of protons (which is the same as the atomic number) and the typical number of neutrons in the most stable or common isotopes of the gases. In this context, radon (Rn) is the correct answer (Option B).

Radon has a greater mass number in its most stable isotope compared to the other noble gases, meaning it has more neutrons than xenon (Xe), krypton (Kr), or argon (Ar).

Thus option B) Radon. is correct answer.