If the stable nuclei are plotted with neutron number vs. proton number, the curve formed by the stable nuclei does not follow the line N = Z. This is predicted by examining how the binding energy is influenced by:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The curve of stable nuclei deviates from the line N = Z due to the Coulomb repulsion between protons, which increases with the number of protons. To counteract this repulsion and maintain stability, more neutrons are needed as the number of protons increases, leading to a neutron-rich curve.

If the Stable Nuclei Are Plotted with Neutron Number Vs