Science Common Sense

1710 - What forms stable and unstable atomic nuclei composed of protons and neutrons?

A stable atomic nucleus is formed when the number of protons (positive particles) and neutrons (neutral particles) has a certain balance.

This balance happens because of the 'strong nuclear force' that holds protons and neutrons together. Protons have a positive charge and want to fly apart, but the strong nuclear force holds them together with neutrons. Neutrons help balance this positive charge, allowing protons to stick together.

Imagine holding hands in a circle: If you hold too many hands, the circle falls apart, but if you hold just the right number, the circle stays together. Similarly, protons and neutrons need a balance to form a stable atomic nucleus.

In an unstable nucleus, there are either too many or too few neutrons compared to the number of protons. This unbalance upsets the strong nuclear force, causing the nucleus to break apart, making it unstable.