Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Scientists have discovered “strong evidence” for the existence of the unusual nitrogen-9 isotope, challenging previous interpretations and offering a new perspective on subatomic structures.
What is an Isotope?
An isotope is a variant of a chemical element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in its atomic nucleus. This gives the isotope a different atomic mass.
For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon. Both have six protons, but carbon-12 has six neutrons, while carbon-14 has eight neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. Isotopes can have distinct properties and may be stable or radioactive, undergoing decay over time.
What is Nitrogen-9?
It is characterized by seven protons and two neutrons. A normal Nitrogen atom has an atomic number of 7 and an atomic mass of 14 (7proton and 7 Neutron)
Other isotopes of Nitrogen are:
What is Unusual about Nitrogen-9?
Nitrogen-9 is considered unusual because it has an uncommon combination of seven protons and two neutrons in its atomic nucleus. This creates an unusually high ratio of protons to neutrons. Typically, elements have a balanced ratio for stability, but Nitrogen-9’s high proton content makes it less stable, challenging the conventional stability thresholds. This oddity raises questions about its existence in this state and how it maintains stability, introducing complexity to our understanding of atomic nuclei.
