Stability of Nucleus: Neutron's Role

In summary, A neutron doesn't make a nucleus stable. Normal hydrogen contains only a single proton, it has no neutron, and it is stable. Most, probably all, elements (including hydrogen) have isotopes. These are variations of chemically the same element possessing different numbers of neutrons. Some isotopes are stable (relatively long half life), others are less stable and can have very short half lives. Stable isotopes are just that. Their half lives are (as far as we know) infinite. There are models which predict proton decay, but there is no evidence for it. Yes. For examples, see any table of nuclides, e.g. this one: http://atom.kaeri.re.kr:8080
  • #1
Sagar Singh
31
1
Hi There!
How a neutron is able to make a nucleus stable?
 
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  • #2
A neutron doesn't make a nucleus stable.
Normal hydrogen contains only a single proton, it has no neutron, and it is stable.
Most, probably all, elements (including hydrogen) have isotopes.
These are variations of chemically the same element possessing different numbers of neutrons.
Some isotopes are stable (relatively long half life), others are less stable and can have very short half lives.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
The strong force holds the nucleus together, but the coulomb force pushes it apart.
The oversimplified explanation is that the coulomb force between protons is too strong for the strong force between them to hold it together, so it needs some neutrons, which have strong force attraction, but no charge.
 
  • #4
rootone said:
A neutron doesn't make a nucleus stable.
Normal hydrogen contains only a single proton, it has no neutron, and it is stable.
Most, probably all, elements (including hydrogen) have isotopes.
These are variations of chemically the same element possessing different numbers of neutrons.
Some isotopes are stable (relatively long half life), others are less stable and can have very short half lives.
Stable isotopes are just that. Their half lives are (as far as we know) infinite. There are models which predict proton decay, but there is no evidence for it.
 
  • #5
Just curious, are there any elements which have more than one stable isotope,
(given the definition of 'stable' as meaning infinite, or at least immeasurably long half life)
 
  • #6
  • #7
rootone said:
Just curious, are there any elements which have more than one stable isotope,
(given the definition of 'stable' as meaning infinite, or at least immeasurably long half life)
For starters - H1, H2, He3, He4, Li6, Li7.
 
  • #8
Tin has ten stable isotopes.
 

1. What is the role of neutrons in maintaining the stability of the nucleus?

Neutrons play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the nucleus by balancing the repulsive forces between positively charged protons. Without neutrons, the repulsive forces between protons would cause the nucleus to break apart.

2. How many neutrons are needed to stabilize a nucleus?

The number of neutrons needed to stabilize a nucleus varies depending on the element. Generally, elements with a higher number of protons require more neutrons to maintain stability.

3. Can a nucleus be stable without any neutrons?

No, a nucleus cannot be stable without any neutrons. The presence of neutrons is necessary to balance the repulsive forces between protons and maintain the overall stability of the nucleus.

4. How does the ratio of neutrons to protons affect the stability of a nucleus?

The ratio of neutrons to protons, also known as the neutron-to-proton ratio, is an important factor in determining the stability of a nucleus. Generally, a higher neutron-to-proton ratio leads to a more stable nucleus.

5. Can the stability of a nucleus be affected by changes in the number of neutrons?

Yes, the stability of a nucleus can be affected by changes in the number of neutrons. Adding or removing neutrons can alter the neutron-to-proton ratio, which can potentially make the nucleus more or less stable.

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