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Why are Neutrons necessary for a stable nucleus? Predict what would happen to the atom if there were no neutrons? (hint: think of the only element that has atoms with no neutrons)

User Icanc
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1 Answer

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Answer: Very interesting question indeed! I can try to explain this in following words

Step-by-step explanation:

Neutrons stabilize the nucleus, because they attract each other and protons , which helps offset the electrical repulsion between protons. As a result, as the number of protons increases, an increasing ratio of neutrons to protons is needed to form a stable nucleus.

Secondly if there is no neutrons then the electromagnetic repulsion between proton will not allow any stable nucleus . Also remember in hydrogen there is only one proton so the repulsion is not experienced hence no need of neutron.

Hope this help!!

User Jeff Keslinke
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