This section contains 1,043 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
The atomic nucleus is consists of a combination of protons, which have a positive electrical charge, and neutrons, which are electrically neutral. Protons and neutrons are both called nucleons. Every atomic nucleus contains at least one proton, meaning that the nucleus itself has a positive charge. Except for hydrogen, all naturally occurring atomic nuclei also contain at least as many neutrons as protons. For elements larger than calcium, which has 20 protons, all naturally occurring nuclei have more neutrons than protons. The excess of neutrons increases with the size of the nucleus. Nuclei with fewer neutrons than these natural limits have been made artificially, but they are all very unstable and decay rapidly. Very large nuclei are also unstable. Unstable nuclei can emit energy in the form of gamma rays or particles such as protons, neutrons, alpha particles (two protons and two neutrons...
This section contains 1,043 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |