[X-RAY]

Hi all,

I've got 3 questions to ask. Sorry if some of them seem obvious or even stupid (especially the third question) but I have not done any of these subjects in class. I'm just curious as to the answers.

1) If, as far as I understand from a bit of research on Google, the main purpose of neutrons is to support the nucleus of an atom. How can a subatomic particle that does not affect the size of a reaction (electrons) or the element itself (proton) form an isotope that becomes so unstable that it is radioactive?

2) How are noble gas compounds formed in a laboratory?

3) If a Hydrogen atom only has 1 electron, what prevents it from losing it by giving it up in an ionic bond? If this were somehow possible, what would be the effect of having no electrons surrounding an atom?

Thanks, I hope you can answer my questions.

[Bakegaku]

1) If, as far as I understand from a bit of research on Google, the main purpose of neutrons is to support the nucleus of an atom. How can a subatomic particle that does not affect the size of a reaction (electrons) or the element itself (proton) form an isotope that becomes so unstable that it is radioactive?

Protons are all positively charged.  If a nucleus were made up of several particles of the same charge, what might make it hard to keep together?

3) If a Hydrogen atom only has 1 electron, what prevents it from losing it by giving it up in an ionic bond? If this were somehow possible, what would be the effect of having no electrons surrounding an atom?

There's not really a distinct difference between ionic and covalent bonds the way you're taught in high school.  Whether a compound is considered ionic or not is dependent on the elements' comparitive electronegativity (tendancy to draw electrons towards itself in a bond.  I'd advise using a different source for a better definition  ).  The hydrogen ion is too electronegative to exist on its own in most situations, so it envelopes itself in the electron cloud of the other ion, making it a covalent bond.

Perhaps a bit vague, but I hope that clears it up.  Don't be afraid to ask questions about my answers.