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Why is the combination of two protons and two neutrons stable, but two protons and one neutron is not?

User Kat Cox
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2 Answers

6 votes
Because it's unbalanced.
User Aab
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3 votes

Answer:

There are not enough neutrons to overcome the electrical repulsion of the protons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neutrons help stabilize a nucleus by attracting other nucleons (protons and neutrons). Although protons also attract other nucleons using the strong nuclear force, they repel other protons with the electrical force.

Hope this helps!

User Rodrunner
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