This chart compares the total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) to electrons for each element. In neutral atoms, electron count equals proton count, but nucleon count increases faster due to neutrons.

The diverging lines reveal a fundamental nuclear physics principle: heavier elements require proportionally more neutrons to remain stable. This neutron excess compensates for the growing electrostatic repulsion between protons. The ratio of nucleons to electrons increases from about 2:1 for hydrogen to nearly 2.6:1 for the heaviest elements.