Question

What are the two isotopic forms of Boron?

Answer 1

Hint: For answering this question we learn about the isotopes of an element. Isotopes of an element are the atoms which have the same number of protons and electrons but different numbers of neutrons, this results in a different mass number. We will discuss isotopes of Boron in this question.

Complete answer:
Boron is a chemical element with atomic number $5$ and symbol $B$. It is a low-abundance element in the earth’s crust and solar system. It is the lightest element having an electron in p-orbital in its ground state.
Boron has two isotopes which occur naturally: $ ^{11}B $ and $ ^{10}B $. These have percentages $ 80.1\% $ and $ 19.9\% $ respectively. These isotopes of boron are stable. Boron has more isotopes but their half life is very short and they convert or decay into other elements.
The $ ^{10}B $ isotope of boron is useful in capturing the thermal neutrons. Because of its high cross section it is generally used to control nuclear fission in nuclear reactors as a neutron capturing compound. $ ^{10}B $ is also used for boron neutron capture therapy in the treatment of some types of brain cancer. The nuclear industry enhances the natural Boron to its $ ^{10}B $ isotope. The less valued side-product is the $ ^{11}B $ isotope (depleted boron).

Note:
Boron is unreactive when it is treated with alkalis and acids at medium temperature. Boron is commonly present in food; people use boron supplements as food. It has some medical applications, boron is used in building solid bones, it helps in building muscles, it is used in treatment of osteoarthritis, it is used to boost testosterone levels, it is used to enhance cognitive skills and also used for synchronisation of muscles.