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most of the atoms under atomic number 20 have a 1:1 neutron to proton ratio the ratio goes up, but not by much, and will show a "band of stability" for all atoms some isotopes exist with the number of neutrons outside this band, which makes those atoms (those isotopes of those atoms) unstable. unstable nuclei leads to radioactivity, when the nucleus releases particles and energy to gain a more stable ratio of neutrons to protons. radioactivity is usually toxic to most living things (not cockroaches believe it or not!)

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The stability of an isotope nucleus depends on?

neutron to proton ratio :)


What makes an element unstable or radioactive?

The stability of an atom depends on a balance between the numbers of protons and neutrons in its nucleus and also on the total size of its nucleus; atoms with sufficiently large nuclei are inherently unstable. Please see the link.


How many protons nucleus have?

It depends on what atom it is, the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom or ion defines what type of atom it is.


What are the nuclear transformations to be exercised by a nuclide to attain stability?

AnswerNuclear transformation is what happens to an unstable atom nucleus when exercising changes to attain stability. The stability of a nucleus depends on the ratio of neutrons to protons in this nucleus and on the absolute number of protons that should not exceed certain limit. For a nucleus with neutron/proton ratio higherthan the corresponding stability ratio, two nuclear transformations may occur to decrease the ratio in the nucleus in order to reach stability:neutron transformation to proton plus electron where the proton remains in the nucleus and the electron is emitted from the nucleus as beta radiationemitting neutron from the nucleus as neutron radiation (this transformation is relatively rare. Example of this transformation is the unstable Krypton-87For a nucleus with neutron/proton ratio lower than the corresponding stability ratio, two nuclear transformations may occur to increase the ratio in the nucleus in order to reach stability:proton transformation to neutron plus positron where the neutron remains in the nucleus and the positron is emitted from the nucleus as positive beta radiationproton attraction of one electron from the nearest orbit to the nucleus to form neutron that remains in the nucleus.For an unstable nucleus with with number of protons exceeding the stability limit, it may reach stability with one or more of the above four nuclear transformations and/or by:fission (or splitting) of the nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei (called fragments) with emission of one or more neutrons (as the spontaneous fission of some heavy nuclei).


The stability of a nuclide depends on the?

The stability of a nuclide depends on:the specific neutron/proton ratio that corresponds to a stable nucleus, and orthe number of protons not to exceed the stability limit (exceeding 83).Referring to question below for more information.


How is the binding energy related to the stability of a nucleus?

The greater the binding energy the more stable the nucleus is.


What is the principal effect of the presence of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom?

It is suposed that neutrons are necessary for the stability of the atomic nucleus.


The stability of an isotope nucleus depends on the?

The stability of an isotope nucleus depends on the balance between the strong nuclear force, which holds protons and neutrons together, and the electromagnetic force, which repels protons due to their positive charge. Isotopes with too many or too few neutrons compared to protons may be unstable and undergo radioactive decay to achieve a more stable configuration.


What is the binding energy of iron and how does it impact the stability of atomic nuclei?

The binding energy of iron is the energy required to hold its nucleus together. Iron has a high binding energy, making its nucleus stable. This stability is important for the overall stability of atomic nuclei in general.


What does it mean if an element is radioacitive?

If an element is radioactive, it refers to the stability of their atomic nucleus. If that atomic nucleus is not stable, it is considered radioactive.


What happens to an atom with a nucleus that falls outside the band of stability?

It would be radioactive and the nucleus would undergo nuclear decomposition.


What role do neutrons play in the structure and stability of the atomic nucleus?

Neutrons play a crucial role in the structure and stability of the atomic nucleus by providing additional nuclear binding energy. They help hold the protons together in the nucleus through the strong nuclear force, which helps stabilize the nucleus and prevent it from breaking apart.