Question

A stable atom that has a large nucleus most likely contains

more neutrons than protons.
more protons than neutrons.
equal numbers of protons and neutrons.
changing numbers of protons and neutrons.

Answer 1

Most atoms have more neutrons than protons which accounts for basically half of the nucleuses mass.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an atom to be stable in nature, it is required that the atom must have more number of neutrons as compared to protons.

But if the atom has more number of protons then due like positive charge more repulsion will occur inside the nucleus and therefore, the atom will become unstable. This is because then electrostatic force of repulsion will be greater than the nuclear binding force.

Thus, we can conclude that a stable atom that has a large nucleus most likely contains more neutrons than protons.