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

8034 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

I have an infinite number of glass blocks stacked side by side. The first block has refractive index n1, the second n2 and so on, such that n1<n2...<n(infinity). I shine a light on the stack, what angle does the ray make to the normal on the last block?


Light with a frequency of 200nm is shone on a sodium plate with a work function of 2.28eV and electrons start escaping the surface of the plate due to the photoelectric effect. What is the maximum kinetic energy of one of these electrons in eV?


A source of green laser light has a wavelength of 560nm, what is its frequency? Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures and using the correct units.


Describe the photoelectric effect and what it tells us about the properties of light .


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