A nucleus of the stable isotope Pb(208,82) has more neutrons than protons. Explain why there is this imbalance between proton and neutron numbers by referring to the forces that operate within the nucleus.

Must include 3 points from 1-5 and 1 point from 6-7 for 4 marks.1.Strong nuclear force (SNF) affects nucleons or protons and neutrons.2. SNF attraction extends up to 3 fm (allow 1–4 fm) 3. The SNF is repulsive below about 0.8 fm (allow 0.3 to 1 fm and prevents the nucleus totally collapsing) 4. Electromagnetic/electrostatic repulsive force (only) acts between protons 5. EM forces are long range/infinite/acts across whole nucleus/acts on all protons(so increases as proton number increases)6. More neutrons are needed to hold nucleus together / add to binding force/increase instability/reduce stability 7. Fewer protons are required so as to reduce the repulsion/reduce instability/increase stabilityProcess of answering:

Answered by Physics tutor

7963 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a longitudinal and a transverse wave?


A gun of mass 10kg fires a bullet of mass 240g at a speed of 300ms-1. What is the speed of the gun's recoil?


An aeroplane lands on the runway with a velocity of 50 m/s and decelerates at 10 m/s^2 to a velocity of 20 m/s. Calculate the distance travelled on the runway.


Give a brief description of the Big Bang and describe its link to cosmic microwave background radiation.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning