Number of stable isotopes is generally found to be the least when the number of neutrons and the num — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

According to the nuclear shell model, elements have a tendency to pair up their nucleons (both protons and neutrons), stabilizing the nucleus via canceled spin magnetic fields. Consequently, even-even nuclei are most abundant and stable, whereas nuclei with odd numbers of both protons and neutrons are the least abundant and least stable (only 5 are well-known: ${}_{1}^{2}H, {}_{3}^{6}Li, {}_{5}^{10}B, {}_{7}^{14}N, {}_{73}^{180}Ta$).