Propose a reason why a nucleus with 6 protons and no neutrons is unstable.Hint: Remember that all protons are positively charged.
Question
Propose a reason why a nucleus with 6 protons and no neutrons is unstable.
Hint: Remember that all protons are positively charged.
Solution
A nucleus with 6 protons and no neutrons would be unstable due to the repulsive forces between the protons. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
-
Protons, which are found in the nucleus of an atom, carry a positive charge.
-
According to the laws of physics, like charges repel each other. This means that the protons in the nucleus will try to push each other away because they all carry the same type of charge.
-
In a stable nucleus, this repulsion is balanced by the strong nuclear force, which is a powerful attractive force that acts between protons and neutrons.
-
If there are no neutrons in the nucleus, like in this case, there is nothing to balance out the repulsive force between the protons.
-
As a result, the protons will push each other away, causing the nucleus to become unstable and break apart.
So, the reason why a nucleus with 6 protons and no neutrons is unstable is because there are no neutrons to help balance out the repulsive forces between the protons.
Similar Questions
Which of the following nuclei would be the most stable?A.70 protons, 98 neutronsB.70 protons, 94 neutronsC.70 protons, 87 neutronsD.70 protons, 91 neutrons
Neutrons are essential for the stability of the nucleus because they counteract the repulsive forces between protons. Question 7 options: True False
Once you've made a stable carbon atom, add one more neutron.Determine whether the nucleus is stable or unstable.StableUnstable
Add yet another neutron to the nucleus so that the mass number is 14.Determine whether the nucleus is stable or unstable.StableUnstable
The protons and neutrons of each element affect the element’s nuclear stability.
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.