Exam-style question
Try this first
What causes some atomic nuclei to be unstable?.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Some atomic nuclei are unstable due to an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons.
- This imbalance leads to a situation where the strong nuclear force, which holds the nucleus together, is insufficient to counteract the repulsive electromagnetic force between protons.
- As a result, the nucleus undergoes radioactive decay to achieve a more stable configuration.
Explanation
Why this works
This answer is strong because it identifies the cause (imbalance of protons and neutrons) and explains the mechanism (insufficient strong nuclear force) that leads to the effect (radioactive decay). It also highlights the consequence of the nucleus seeking stability, which is a key concept in understanding nuclear stability.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.