MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Why is Boron 11 stable and why isn't Boron 12 stable?

Date: Mon Dec 1 02:38:54 2008
Posted By: Steve Nelson, research physicist
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1227970764.Ph
Message:


They must occur in balance, boron has 5 protons.  Five neutrons (Boron-10)
is stable, six neutrons is also stable because neutrons have no electric
charge and therefore no electrical repulsion.  But 7 neutrons and only 5
protons?  Too far out of balance for nuclear energy levels, therefore it'll
decay to a more stable energy state...namely 12C (6 protons, 6 neutrons...
balanced).


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