Stability of Nuclei

The stability of atomic nuclei hinges on the balance between protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged and repel each other, while neutrons help bind the nucleus together through the strong nuclear force, which operates at very short ranges. If a nucleus has too many or too few neutrons compared to protons, it becomes unstable and may undergo radioactive decay to reach a more stable state. This decay can release energy, particles, or radiation, influencing the behavior of elements and their isotopes. Stable nuclei generally have a moderate ratio of protons to neutrons, while unstable ones tend to alter over time.