Isotope Stability

Isotope stability is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics, elucidating the durability of atomic nuclei in various isotopes. It concerns the balance between the strong and weak nuclear forces that bind protons and neutrons within a nucleus. Understanding isotope stability is crucial in numerous scientific fields, including chemistry, geology, and astrophysics, as it determines the behavior and longevity of elements in natural and artificial processes. By examining the factors influencing stability, such as neutron-to-proton ratios and nuclear binding energies, scientists can predict isotopic decay patterns and the formation of stable or unstable elements.