A nucleon is defined as a nuclear particle, i.e, a particle which resides in the

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A nucleon is defined as a nuclear particle, i.e, a particle which resides in the nucleus of the atom. The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, hence, nucleons are protons and neutrons. The ratio of neutrons to protons, often abbreviated as n/p ratio is key in deciding the stability of a nucleus.

The atomic number is simply the number of protons present in the nucleus of the atom. The number of neutrons can be easily deduced by subtracting the atomic number from the number of nucleons present. An atom is said to unstable if the n/p ratio is less than 1.000 or greater than 1.500. For most stable nuclei, the n/p ratio is close to 1.000. Consider C-12 or O-16 as examples. The n/p ratios are (12 – 6)/6 = 1.000 and (16 – 8)/8 = 1.000 respectively and hence, both are stable.

Consider next, a radioactive element like 244Pu94. The atomic number is 94 and the mass number is 244. The number of neutrons present is (244 – 94) = 150 and the n/p ratio is 150/94 = 1.596. The n/p ratio is greater than 1.000 and Pu is indeed, radioactive and therefore decays to produce U-238 mostly.

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