About neutrons and proton in nucleus

In summary, neutrons and protons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, with neutrons having no charge and a slightly larger mass than protons. They interact through the strong nuclear force and play a crucial role in determining the stability and properties of an atom. The number of neutrons and protons in a nucleus can vary, resulting in different isotopes of an element, which were discovered in 1932 and 1917, respectively.
  • #1
shivakumar06
69
0
sir i want to know why is number of neutron is more or equal number of proton in nucleus of atoms whose atomic number is more tnan one?
 
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  • #2
Neutrons help provide more strong force to hold the nucleus together without adding repulsive EM force. I would guess that more neutrons are required than protons because the range of the strong force is very short, less than the radius of the nucleus in higher atomic number elements, but I'm not certain.
 

Related to About neutrons and proton in nucleus

1. What is the difference between neutrons and protons in a nucleus?

Neutrons and protons are both subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons have no electrical charge, while protons have a positive charge. Additionally, neutrons have a slightly larger mass than protons.

2. How do neutrons and protons interact within the nucleus?

Neutrons and protons interact through the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for holding the nucleus together. This force overcomes the repulsive force between positively charged protons to keep the nucleus stable.

3. What is the role of neutrons in an atom?

Neutrons play a crucial role in determining the stability and properties of an atom. They help to balance the repulsive forces between protons and also affect the atom's mass and nuclear properties.

4. Can the number of neutrons and protons in a nucleus vary?

Yes, the number of neutrons and protons in a nucleus can vary, resulting in different isotopes of an element. Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, which can affect their stability and nuclear properties.

5. How are neutrons and protons discovered?

Neutrons and protons were first discovered in 1932 by James Chadwick through experiments involving bombarding beryllium atoms with alpha particles. He observed that a new neutral particle was produced, which he named the neutron. Protons were previously discovered by Ernest Rutherford in 1917.

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