nuclear stability
Nuclear stability refers to the ability of an atomic nucleus to remain intact without undergoing radioactive decay. Stable nuclei have a balanced ratio of protons and neutrons, which helps to overcome the natural repulsive forces between positively charged protons. If a nucleus has too many or too few neutrons compared to protons, it can become unstable and may emit radiation as it transforms into a more stable form. Stable isotopes, like carbon-12, do not change over time, while unstable isotopes, such as carbon-14, eventually decay. Understanding nuclear stability is crucial in fields like medicine, energy, and environmental science.
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Nuclear stability refers to the balance within an atomic nucleus, where protons and neutrons coexist without collapsing or emitting radiation. A stable nucleus has an optimal ratio of these particles, allowing it to maintain its structure over time. If there are too many or too few neutrons compared to protons, the nucleus becomes unstable and may undergo radioactive decay, releasing energy and particles. This concept is crucial for understanding elements, their behavior, and their potential applications in fields like energy production and medicine. Stable nuclei form the basis of matter as we know it, while unstable ones can lead to various phenomena.