The stability of an atomic nucleus depends on the balance between the number of protons and neutrons. The strong nuclear force holds the nucleus together, counteracting the repulsive electromagnetic force between protons. The 'band of stability' is a region on a neutron-proton plot where stable nuclei reside. Nuclei outside this band undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more stable configuration. Lighter nuclei tend to have a neutron-to-proton ratio close to 1:1, while heavier nuclei require more neutrons to overcome the increased proton-proton repulsion.
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Isotope | A. The force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus. |
| 2. Strong Nuclear Force | B. A region on a neutron-proton plot where stable nuclei are found. |
| 3. Radioactive Decay | C. Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. |
| 4. Band of Stability | D. The process by which an unstable nucleus emits particles or energy to become more stable. |
| 5. Neutron-to-Proton Ratio | E. The ratio of the number of neutrons to the number of protons in a nucleus. |
(Match the correct term to the definition. Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-B, 5-E)
The stability of a nucleus depends on the balance between the number of ______ and ______. The ______ ______ force holds the nucleus together, while the ______ force repels the protons. Nuclei with too many or too few neutrons relative to the number of protons are usually ______.
(Answers: protons, neutrons, strong nuclear, electromagnetic, unstable)
Explain why heavier nuclei require a higher neutron-to-proton ratio than lighter nuclei to maintain stability.
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