Question

Which is characteristic of unstable nucleus?

• A. $n/p$ ratio is high
• B. Low binding energy
• C. High packing fraction
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A $n/p$ ratio is high
B Low binding energy
C High packing fraction

It is the balance of protons and neutrons in a nucleus which determines whether a nucleus will be stable or unstable. Other factors that influence the stability of nucleus are binding energy and high packing fraction.

So, the characteristics of unstable nucleus are

1. $\frac{n}{p}$ ratio is high
2. Low binding energy
3. High packing fraction