Question

The atomic nucleus contains two subatomic particles, the proton and the neutron. Atoms of different elements have different numbers of protons and neutrons. The nuclei of atoms that are the most stable have proton to neutron ratios of A) 1 to 1 B) 2 to 1 C) 1 to 2 D) there is no pattern that indicates stability in the nucleus

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is;

A) 1 to 1.

Explanation:

A stab;e nuclei requires the presence of a neutron to accommodate the the protons repulsion forces within the nucleus. An increase in the number of protons should be accompanied by an even more instantaneous increase in the number of neutrons to balance the forces in the nucleus. If there is an excess of neutrons or a deficit in protons a state of unbalance exists in the nucleus, which results to nuclear instability.

Therefore, the ratio of neutrons to protons is an appropriate way in foretelling nuclear stability and a stable nuclei is known to have a proton to neutron ratio of 1:1 and the number of protons and neutrons in the stable nuclei are usually even numbers.