Question:

Which of the following is radioactive?

Updated On: Apr 15, 2025
  • Hydrogen
  • Deuterium
  • Tritium
  • None of these
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is Tritium.

Here's why:

  • Isotopes of Hydrogen: Hydrogen has three isotopes:
    • Protium (Hydrogen): 1H (1 proton, 0 neutrons). It is the most common and stable isotope of hydrogen and is not radioactive.
    • Deuterium: 2H or D (1 proton, 1 neutron). It is a stable, non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen. It is used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a solvent. Heavy water (D2O) is water in which the hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium.
    • Tritium: 3H or T (1 proton, 2 neutrons). Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. Its nucleus is unstable and decays through beta decay.
  • Radioactivity: Tritium undergoes beta decay, emitting an electron and an antineutrino, and transforming into helium-3: $^3_1H \rightarrow ^3_2He + e^- + \overline{\nu}_e$

Therefore, Tritium is the only radioactive isotope among the options.

Correct Answer: Tritium

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