About neutrons and proton in nucleus

AI Thread Summary
In atomic nuclei with an atomic number greater than one, the number of neutrons is typically equal to or exceeds the number of protons to enhance nuclear stability. Neutrons contribute to the strong nuclear force, which counteracts the electromagnetic repulsion between positively charged protons. As atomic numbers increase, the short range of the strong force necessitates additional neutrons to maintain a stable nucleus. This balance is crucial for preventing nuclear instability and potential decay. Understanding this relationship is key to grasping nuclear structure in heavier elements.
shivakumar06
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
sir i want to know why is number of neutron is more or equal number of proton in nucleus of atoms whose atomic number is more tnan one?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Neutrons help provide more strong force to hold the nucleus together without adding repulsive EM force. I would guess that more neutrons are required than protons because the range of the strong force is very short, less than the radius of the nucleus in higher atomic number elements, but I'm not certain.
 

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Similar threads

B Explaination of beta + decay in layman language
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Is it the nucleus or a proton at the center?
Replies
14
Views
2K
B What causes mass defect in the nucleus?
Replies
29
Views
5K
Do Protons and Neutrons Move around in the Nucleus?
Replies
40
Views
17K
Structure of Nucleus: Proton & Neutron Arrangement
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics
Replies
14
Views
271
A Does 15F Qualify as an sd Shell Nucleus?
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Are Mass and Matter Distinct Entities in Particle Physics?
Replies
15
Views
2K
B Rest energies of individual nucleons considered in isolation
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Trouble understanding the SI definition of 1 second
2
Replies
56
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top