Why do heavier stable nuclei require a higher ratio of neutrons to protons?
Answer
To add binding energy without adding more electrical repulsion
As the number of protons increases in heavier elements, the necessary binding energy increases to counter the growing repulsive force; additional neutrons provide this binding energy (strong nuclear glue) without increasing electrical repulsion.
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Stable and Unstable Nuclei | Radioactivity | Physics | FuseSchool
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