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Chapter 38: Problem 1

Why do nuclei contain neutrons?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nuclei need neutrons to act as a stabilising force against the repulsive electrostatic forces of protons. They also play a crucial role in radioactive decay.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Atomic Structure

An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. It consists of a core nucleus surrounded by electrons. The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons.
02

Explaining the Role of Protons and Neutrons

Protons are positively charged particles whereas neutrons have no charge - they are neutral. Protons define the atomic number and hence the element. Without neutrons, the repulsive forces between the positively charged protons would blow the nucleus apart.
03

Role of Neutrons

Neutrons act as a binding factor. They contribute to the strong nuclear force that overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between protons, keeping the atomic nucleus intact. Without neutrons, it would be impossible for more than one proton to exist within the nucleus.
04

Additional Role of Neutrons

Neutrons also play a significant role in radioactive decay, specifically in beta decay. In beta decay a neutron changes into a proton by emitting a beta particle.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

You're assessing the safety of an airport bomb-detection system in which neutron activation of the stable nitrogen isotope \(^{15} 7 \mathrm{N}\) turns it into unstable \(^{16}\) ?N. The N-16 decays by beta emission with 7.13-s half-life. How long after activation will the \(\mathbf{N}-16\) activity have dropped by a factor of 1 million?

Write the symbol for the germanium isotope with 44 neutrons.

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Why are fission fragments necessarily radioactive?

How do (a) the number of nucleons and (b) the nuclear charge compare in the two nuclei \(\frac{35}{17} \mathrm{Cl}\) and \(\frac{35}{19} \mathrm{K} ?\)
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