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 happens to an unstable nucleus?

Back

An unstable nucleus will undergo radioactive decay to change the ratio of protons to neutrons.

Front

Which subatomic particle helps keep protons closely packed in the nucleus?

Back

Neutrons act as the 'glue' that helps keep protons closely packed.

Front

Why are protons packed tightly together in the nucleus?

Back

Protons are packed tightly together in the nucleus despite having the same charge.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation to become stable.

Front

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

Back

In a stable nucleus, the ratio of protons to neutrons is approximately 1:1.

Front

What role do neutrons play in the nucleus?

Back

Neutrons provide stability to the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.

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 occurs when a nucleus has too many protons?

Back

When a nucleus has too many protons, it becomes unstable and may undergo radioactive decay.