Question

what effect would adding additional neutrons have on the forces in a nucleus?

Answer 1

assuming the nucleus is stable in its original composition, added neutrons would likely lead to instability. However U-238 is more stable than U-235, so this is not a guarantee.

Answer 2

I understand that this leads to an instability, but I don't know what the instability exactly is going to be. Here are my choices:

a. an increase in the electrostatic force and no effect on the strong nuclear force

b. an increase in the electrostatic force and a decrease in the strong nuclear force

c. an increase in the electrostatic force and an increase in the strong nuclear force

d. no effect on the electrostatic force and an increase in the strong nuclear force

Answer 3

Adding neutral particles, neutrons, should not increase electrostatic forces, so D seems right. Up to a point, they would increase strong force.