Exam-style question
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Which of the following best explains why some nuclei are unstable?.
- A.They have excess energy that needs to be released
- B.They contain only protons without neutrons
- C.They have a perfect balance of protons and neutrons
- D.They are too large to maintain stability
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- They have excess energy that needs to be released
Explanation
Why this works
Some nuclei are unstable because they have excess energy that needs to be released to achieve stability. This excess energy can result from an imbalance in the forces acting within the nucleus.
As a result, the nucleus may undergo radioactive decay, emitting particles or radiation in the process, which ultimately leads to a more stable state.
Common mistake
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