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
A)the volume of the nucleus.
B)the size of the nuclear surface.
C)the Coulomb repulsion.
D)the proton-neutron mass difference.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Coulomb repulsion between positively charged protons is a significant factor that affects the stability of the nucleus. As the number of protons increases, the electrostatic repulsion also increases, causing the nucleus to become less stable. This effect is not accounted for by the N = Z line and explains why the stable nuclei curve deviates from it. The other factors (A, B, D) also have an impact on the binding energy of the nucleus but are not the primary reason for the deviation from the N = Z line.

If the Stable Nuclei Are Plotted with Neutron Number Vs