Large nuclei to proton ratios reduce repulsion in a nucleus

[AnnieM]

Hi, I am new here.
I am just reading over my notes for stable and unstable nuclei and I came across this sentence: 'Large nuclei require a higher neutron proton ratio as this adds more nuclear attraction without adding repulsion'. I was wondering why the large ratio would reduce repulsion?
Thank you for reading.

 

[DEvens]

It allows the protons, with the electric charge, to be farther apart.

 

[AnnieM]

It allows the protons, with the electric charge, to be farther apart.

Thank you very much for your help. I understand now.

 

[Meir Achuz]

"Without adding repulsion" does not mean 'reducing' repulsion.
Adding a proton increases nuclear attraction, but also increases electrostatic energy.
Adding a neutron increases the nuclear attraction with no increase in electrostatic repulsion.

 

[mfb]

"Without adding repulsion" does not mean 'reducing' repulsion.

In this case it does. It increases the effective distances between protons.

 

[AnnieM]

In this case it does. It increases the effective distances between protons.

Thank you

 

[AnnieM]

"Without adding repulsion" does not mean 'reducing' repulsion.
Adding a proton increases nuclear attraction, but also increases electrostatic energy.
Adding a neutron increases the nuclear attraction with no increase in electrostatic repulsion.

Thank you for you help