2-1 Flashcardizz Part 3 Stability of Nucleus

Front

What makes a nucleus STABLE?

Back

A nucleus is stable when the number of protons and neutrons are the same.

Front

What is the ratio of protons to neutrons in a STABLE nucleus?

Back

1:1 (the same amount of protons and neutrons).

Front

What particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

Back

The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons.

Front

What happens to protons in the nucleus due to their charge?

Back

Protons repel one another because they all have the same positive charge.

Front

Why are protons packed tightly in the nucleus despite their charge?

Back

Protons are packed tightly together in the nucleus despite having the same charge due to the strong nuclear force.

Front

What is the charge of protons?

Back

Protons have a positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of neutrons?

Back

Neutrons have no charge (they are neutral).

Front

What is the strong nuclear force?

Back

The strong nuclear force is the force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in the nucleus?

Back

Neutrons help to stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.

Front

What happens to an unstable nucleus?

Back

An unstable nucleus may undergo radioactive decay.