Q63 / 75 · JEE Main 2026 (23 January Shift 2) · Physics
Which of the following pair of nuclei are isobars of the element?
- Correct answerA${ }_{1}^{3} \mathrm{H}$ and ${ }_{2}^{3} \mathrm{He}$
- B${ }_{1}^{2} \mathrm{H}$ and ${ }_{1}^{3} \mathrm{H}$
- C${ }_{80}^{198} \mathrm{Hg}$ and ${ }_{79}^{197} \mathrm{Au}$
- D${ }_{92}^{236} \mathrm{U}$ and ${ }_{92}^{238} \mathrm{U}$
Solution
Isobars are atoms of different chemical elements that have the same number of nucleons (mass number $A$), but different atomic numbers ($Z$).
In the given options:
(1) $_1^3\text{H}$ and $_2^3\text{He}$: Both have the same mass number $A = 3$. Since they have different atomic numbers ($Z=1$ and $Z=2$), they are isobars.
(2) $_1^2\text{H}$ and $_1^3\text{H}$: These have the same atomic number ($Z=1$) but different mass numbers. They are isotopes.
(3) $_{80}^{198}\text{Hg}$ and $_{79}^{197}\text{Au}$: These have different mass numbers ($198$ and $197$).
(4) $_{92}^{236}\text{U}$ and $_{92}^{238}\text{U}$: These have the same atomic number ($Z=92$) but different mass numbers. They are isotopes.
Thus, the pair $_1^3\text{H}$ and $_2^3\text{He}$ are isobars.
In the given options:
(1) $_1^3\text{H}$ and $_2^3\text{He}$: Both have the same mass number $A = 3$. Since they have different atomic numbers ($Z=1$ and $Z=2$), they are isobars.
(2) $_1^2\text{H}$ and $_1^3\text{H}$: These have the same atomic number ($Z=1$) but different mass numbers. They are isotopes.
(3) $_{80}^{198}\text{Hg}$ and $_{79}^{197}\text{Au}$: These have different mass numbers ($198$ and $197$).
(4) $_{92}^{236}\text{U}$ and $_{92}^{238}\text{U}$: These have the same atomic number ($Z=92$) but different mass numbers. They are isotopes.
Thus, the pair $_1^3\text{H}$ and $_2^3\text{He}$ are isobars.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.