Even and odd atomic nuclei
Every atom has a nucleus made up of tiny particles called protons and neutrons. Some atoms have an even number of these particles, while others have an odd number.
If an atom's nucleus has an even number of protons and an even number of neutrons, we call it an even nucleus. Think of it like building blocks - if you have an even number of blocks, you can build an evenly stacked structure. Even nuclei are usually stable and don't tend to break down easily.
On the other hand, if an atom's nucleus has an odd number of protons or an odd number of neutrons (or both), we call it an odd nucleus. This can create an imbalance, like having an uneven tower of blocks that might not stand up straight. Odd nuclei tend to be less stable and can break down or decay more quickly.
So, even and odd atomic nuclei refer to the numbers of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. If they add up to an even number, it's an even nucleus, and if they add up to an odd number, it's an odd nucleus.
If an atom's nucleus has an even number of protons and an even number of neutrons, we call it an even nucleus. Think of it like building blocks - if you have an even number of blocks, you can build an evenly stacked structure. Even nuclei are usually stable and don't tend to break down easily.
On the other hand, if an atom's nucleus has an odd number of protons or an odd number of neutrons (or both), we call it an odd nucleus. This can create an imbalance, like having an uneven tower of blocks that might not stand up straight. Odd nuclei tend to be less stable and can break down or decay more quickly.
So, even and odd atomic nuclei refer to the numbers of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. If they add up to an even number, it's an even nucleus, and if they add up to an odd number, it's an odd nucleus.