Heavier stable nuclei tend to have
A) half as many protons as neutrons.
B) the same number of neutrons and protons.
C) more neutrons than protons.
D) no clear trend in the relative number of neutrons and protons.
E) more protons than neutrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heavier stable nuclei tend to have more neutrons than protons in order to maintain a balance between strong nuclear forces and electrostatic repulsion between protons. This is known as the neutron-proton ratio. In general, as the atomic number increases, the neutron-proton ratio also increases.

Heavier Stable Nuclei Tend to Have