Why does an atoms nucleus need neutrons?
Binding energy or nuclear glue, sometimes called the residual strong interaction, is what overcomes the coulomb forces, as stated. This binding energy is created during atomic fusion, and each nucleon involved in the fusion process contributes some of its mass to create the binding energy. This is called mass deficit, and neutrons are essential in the fusion process. The protons and neutrons (neucleons) involved in any fusion reaction all contribute some mass to the creation of the “appropriate amount” of binding energy necessary to hold the whole new nucleus together. Protons alone cannot be fused.
