Question

Heavy stable nuclei have more neutrons than protons. This is because of the fact that

• A. neutrons are heavier than protons.
• B. neutrons decay into protons through beta decay.
• C. electrostatic force between protons are repulsive.
• D. nuclear forces between neutrons are weaker than that between protons.

Answer 1

The correct option is C electrostatic force between protons are repulsive.

There are two types of forces acting between the nucleons. The first one is nuclear force or attractive force and second one is electrostatic force acting between protons inside the atom.

As the protons are positively charged so, repal each other.

In heavier nuclei, the number of protons increases thus increasing repulsive force. Therefore, to keep the atom from falling apart, the number of neutrons has to be greater than that of proton so as to have enough attractive force to overcome the repulsive forces.

Therefore, for heavy nuclei to have a stable nucleus, should have number of neutron greater than that of proton.

Final answer: (b)