why is the ratio of neutrons to protons greater in the heavier elements? the greater the number of protons, the greater the electrostatic force of repulsion. the greater the number of neutrons, the weaker the proton-neutron strong nuclear force. the greater the number of protons, the weaker the proton-neutron strong nuclear force. the greater the number of neutrons, the greater the electrostatic force of repulsion. there is actually a lesser ratio of neutrons to protons in the heavier elements.