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A smaller nucleus is generally more stable.

Below are some general rules: # (Except for really small nuclei) All stable nuclei contain a number of neutrons that is equal to or greater than the number of protons. # Nuclei with too few or too many neutrons is unstable. # If a nuclei has even numbers of nucleons, it's generally more stable. # Nuclei with "magic numbers" usually tend to be more stable.

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What happens to a nucleus of an unstable atom?

An unstable nucleus can undergo radioactive decay to become more stable. This can involve emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The decay process results in a transformation of the nucleus into a different element or isotope.


Why do smaller atoms exhibit higher ionization energy compared to larger atoms?

Smaller atoms have higher ionization energy compared to larger atoms because smaller atoms have a stronger attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons, making it harder to remove an electron from a smaller atom.


Does magnesium have a smaller radius than helium?

Atoms do not have a radius. A helium atom has a nucleus composed of at least two protons and maybe one or two neutrons. A magnesium atom nucleus (and every other atom on the periodic table other than hydrogen) is BIGGER than a helium nucleus. So if you look at it that way...magnesium is larger than helium


Larger a nucleus is the greater its?

Larger a nucleus is, the greater its atomic number and the more protons it contains. This leads to stronger nuclear forces within the nucleus and a higher tendency for radioactive decay.


Is the atomic number the largest the two numbers shown in the periodic table?

The atomic number is the smaller of the two numbers shown in the periodic table. It represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom and determines the element's identity. The larger number, the atomic mass, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Related Questions

Is the atom that remains after the nucleus disintegrate larger of smaller than the original atom?

smaller


Combines two smaller nuclei to make a larger nucleus?

Geiger counter


Are chromosomes larger than a cell?

Typically, chromosomes are not larger than a cell. Chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins and are found within the nucleus of a cell. Cells contain many chromosomes, each of which is a long, coiled molecule.


What do you call a smaller crystal used to grow a larger crystal?

a nucleus or plural nuclei


Is nucleus smaller than atom?

An atom comprises an atomic nucleus with orbiting electrons. So the nucleus is smaller than an atom. To phrase it the opposite way, an atom is alwys larger than the nucleus (of the same atom of course!!)


What is the two smaller nuclei joining to form a larger nucleus?

Nuclear fusion is the process where two smaller atomic nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus. This process releases a significant amount of energy and is the principle behind the power source in stars like the sun.


What is a characteristic of a radioactive nucleus?

A characteristic of a radioactive nucleus is that it undergoes spontaneous decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays in order to achieve a more stable configuration.


What is the reaction of nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion is the process of merging nuclei with smaller masses into a nucleus with a larger mass.


Are eukaryotes made out of cells?

One prokaryote ate another smaller prokaryote, causing the smaller prokaryote to become the nucleus and the larger one is the cell itself.


What make a nucleus a stable?

A nucleus is stable if the electrostatic and strong nuclear forces balance out.


Large nuclei are unstable because the nuclear force what?

The largest stable nucleus is that of Uranium 238. The only somewhat stable larger element is Plutonium 239 with a half-life of 26,000 years. Californium has a half life in days. Actually, we do not really understand the force that holds the nucleus of an atom together, the strong force. Its size is slightly larger than half the diameter of a proton. We know from atom smashers that heat can overcome the strong force. The number of neutrons grows at a far greater rate than the number of protons as a nucleus becomes larger. As the number of neutrons grow, the radioactivity increases and the heat increases. As the heat increases, the strong force is overcome. The nucleus splits into smaller pieces.


What happens to a nucleus of an unstable atom?

An unstable nucleus can undergo radioactive decay to become more stable. This can involve emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The decay process results in a transformation of the nucleus into a different element or isotope.