Chapter 30, Problem 48A

To determine

The one which are more unstable out of small nuclei and large nuclei.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Protons and neutrons reside inside a nucleus. In spite of repulsive force between the protons, these nucleons are bound due to the presence of strong nuclear force among themselves.

Small nuclei are more stable than large nuclei because of the strong nuclear force is able to bind all the nucleons. As the nuclei becomes larger because of increasing number of protons, the repulsive force tends to overcome the strong nuclear force and hence, makes the nuclei unstable and break it apart.

Conclusion:

Large nuclei are more unstable as compared to small nuclei.