8.2 Nuclear instability

• For light elements, a proton-to-neutron ratio of 1:1 is ideal for stability.
• What is binding energy in the context of nuclear physics?

  Energy to separate a nucleus
• What is the relationship between binding energy per nucleon and stability?

  Higher binding energy = more stable
• The strong nuclear force operates over a distance of approximately 1 femtometer.

  True
• The strong nuclear force overcomes the electromagnetic repulsion between protons.


  True
• The strong nuclear force is approximately 100 times stronger than the electromagnetic force.


  True
• Order the steps in maintaining nuclear stability:

  1️⃣ Strong nuclear force overcomes electromagnetic repulsion

  2️⃣ Nucleus remains intact

  3️⃣ Radioactive decay is prevented
• The neutron-to-proton ratio refers to the number of neutrons relative to the number of protons
• An imbalance in the neutron-to-proton ratio can lead to radioactive decay.
• Unstable nuclei have an imbalanced neutron-to-proton ratio.
• Nuclei with higher binding energy per nucleon are more stable.

  True
• Unstable nuclei have a limited lifespan.
• Key aspects of the strong nuclear force

  1️⃣ Attractive Force

  2️⃣ Short Range

  3️⃣ Independent of Charge

  4️⃣ Higher Strength
• Is the strong nuclear force affected by the charge of nucleons?

  No
• Why is the strong nuclear force essential for nuclear stability?

  It binds protons against repulsion
• The strong nuclear force operates only within the size of the nucleus, which is about 1 femtometer
• What is the strong nuclear force's role in maintaining nuclear stability?

  Overcomes electromagnetic repulsion
• For light elements, a neutron-to-proton ratio close to 1:1 promotes stability.


  True
• Match the element type with its ideal neutron-to-proton ratio and stability:

  Light Elements ↔️ Close to 1:1, Stable

  Heavy Elements ↔️ Greater than 1:1, Stable with high ratio

  Imbalanced Ratio ↔️ Varies, Unstable
• Radioactive decay reduces the imbalance in the neutron-to-proton ratio.


  True
• What is the definition of nuclear stability?

  Maintains structure indefinitely
• The strong nuclear force acts equally on protons and neutrons regardless of their charge.


  True
• Unstable nuclei have an imbalanced neutron-to-proton ratio.
• Arrange the following characteristics based on whether they describe stable or unstable nuclei:

  1️⃣ Stable nuclei have a neutron-proton ratio close to ideal

  2️⃣ Unstable nuclei have an imbalanced neutron-proton ratio

  3️⃣ Stable nuclei do not undergo radioactive decay

  4️⃣ Unstable nuclei undergo radioactive decay
• Match the type of radioactive decay with its description:

  Alpha Decay ↔️ Emits an alpha particle (2 protons, 2 neutrons)

  Beta Decay ↔️ Emits an electron or positron

  Gamma Decay ↔️ Emits high-energy electromagnetic radiation
• Half-life is used to measure the rate of radioactive decay
• What is the primary role of the strong nuclear force?

  Overcome electromagnetic repulsion
• What is the result of an imbalanced neutron-to-proton ratio?

  Radioactive decay
• For light elements, a neutron-to-proton ratio close to 1:1 promotes stability.

  True
• Radioactive decay occurs in nuclei with an imbalanced neutron-to-proton ratio.


  True
• Match the type of radioactive decay with its description:

  Alpha (α) Decay ↔️ Emits an alpha particle

  Beta (β) Decay ↔️ Emits an electron or positron

  Gamma (γ) Decay ↔️ Emits high-energy electromagnetic radiation
• Half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.


  True
• Match the nuclear process with its description:

  Nuclear Fission ↔️ Splitting a heavy nucleus

  Nuclear Fusion ↔️ Combining light nuclei
• Nuclear fusion is currently more challenging to achieve than nuclear fission.


  True
• What does nuclear stability refer to?

  Ability to maintain structure
• What type of proton-neutron balance is required for stable nuclei?

  Ideal ratio
• A greater neutron-to-proton ratio is necessary for stability as the atomic number increases.


  True
• What is the primary role of the strong nuclear force?

  Overcome electromagnetic repulsion
• The strong nuclear force is approximately 100 times stronger than the electromagnetic force.
• What is the primary role of the strong nuclear force in the nucleus of an atom?

  Nuclear stability