The main reason that massive nuclei don't simply shed protons to relieve the instability caused by too much electrostatic repulsion is that
A) Energy would not be conserved for typical values of $\boldsymbol{A}$.}
B) This would lead to openings in proton energy levels.
C) Protons aren't repelled as strongly as alpha particles.
D) Isolated protons can't exist outside an atom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy required to remove a proton from a nucleus is typically greater than the energy gained from reducing electrostatic repulsion, so energy conservation prevents spontaneous proton emission.

The Main Reason That Massive Nuclei Don't Simply Shed Protons A\boldsymbol{A}A

The Main Reason That Massive Nuclei Don't Simply Shed Protons $\boldsymbol{A}$