Question

Why is a ${}_2^{4}He$ nucleus more stable than a ${}_3^{4}Li$ nucleus?

• A. The strong nuclear force is larger when the neutron-to-proton ratio is higher.
• B. The laws of nuclear physics forbid a nucleus from containing more protons than neutrons.
• C. Forces other than the strong nuclear force make the lithium nucleus less stable.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The strong nuclear force is larger when the neutron-to-proton ratio is higher.

Same as electron cloud, in nucleus of helium, protons stay in orbits 1s1s, but with zero angular momentum. Therefore, same as stable fully filled shells, nuclei are stable if they are fully filled