Light elements with Z

Question

Light elements with Z < 20 generally have a neutron/proton ratios about equal to __________

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For light elements with Z < 20, the neutron/proton ratios are generally close to 1:1. This is because the attractive strong nuclear force between the protons and neutrons in the nucleus is balanced by the repulsive electromagnetic force between the positively charged protons. As the atomic number increases, the repulsive electromagnetic force becomes stronger, causing the neutron/proton ratio to increase. But for light elements, the neutron/proton ratio is generally close to 1:1.

Light Elements with Z < 20 Generally Have a Neutron/proton