Are elements WITHOUT neutrons inherently unstable?
Answers
there exists a nucleus which contains no protons. It has the atomic number 0, the mass number 1, and consists of one neutron, zero protons and zero electrons. It is called neutron. It is an unstable nucleus which decays via beta decay.
If you think that calling the neutron a nucleus is not proper, then think of the following: The hydrogen nucleus is just a proton. And chemists have no problem to talk about H+ ions, which are also nothing but protons, without any electrons around them.
( a di neutron is observed according to some refer pages which are extremely unstable)
In summary it is the balance of protons and neutrons in a nucleus which determines whether a nucleus will be stable or unstable. Too many neutrons or protons upset this balance disrupting the binding energy from the strong nuclear forces