Final answer:
Atomic nuclei with more than 83 protons cannot achieve stability regardless of the number of neutrons due to overwhelming electrostatic repulsion. Beyond this atomic number, a nucleus is prone to radioactive decay in pursuit of stability. The nuclear stability is influenced by binding energy, magic numbers, and the balance between the strong nuclear force and Coulomb repulsion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of nuclear stability, when the atomic number is more than 83, no number of neutrons can stabilize the nucleus and its large collection of positive charges. The repulsion between the numerous protons becomes too great for the strong nuclear force to counterbalance, even with additional neutrons. This results in nuclear instability, where the nucleus is more likely to undergo radioactive decay in order to reach a more stable state.
Atomic nuclei consist of protons and neutrons, which are collectively referred to as nucleons. The strong nuclear force acts to hold these positive particles together, in opposition to the Coulomb force which promotes their repulsion. As atomic numbers increase, there is a need for an increasingly greater ratio of neutrons to protons to diminish this repulsion. However, beyond atomic number 83, which corresponds to bismuth, stable nuclei do not exist.
The phenomenon of nuclear stability can be explained through binding energy per nucleon, nuclear decay, and the concept of magic numbers, which signifies nuclei with a full shell of protons or neutrons and notable stability. Although scientists have synthesized elements with atomic numbers up to 118, the increasing instability makes it challenging to create and sustain such heavy elements.