In what part of the atom does the strong nuclear force operate?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The strong nuclear force operates within the atomic nucleus, acting between protons and neutrons, as well as between protons themselves and between neutrons themselves. It is responsible for holding the atomic nucleus together, despite the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons. This force is short-range, acting only over distances up to about \(10^{-15}\) meters.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of the strong nuclear force

The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces in nature, along with gravity, electromagnetism, and the weak force. It is responsible for holding the atomic nucleus together, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons.
02

Structure of an atom

Atoms are composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. The nucleus, located at the center of the atom, contains protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons (neutral particles). The number of protons determines the atomic number, i.e., the element to which the atom belongs, while the number of protons and neutrons together determine the atomic weight.
03

Region of operation for the strong nuclear force

The strong nuclear force operates within the atomic nucleus. It acts between protons and neutrons, as well as between protons themselves and between neutrons themselves. This force helps to hold the atomic nucleus together, despite the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons.
04

Range of the strong nuclear force

The strong nuclear force is a short-range force, meaning it only acts over very small distances, typically up to about \(10^{-15}\) meters, or the size of the atomic nucleus. Due to its short range, the strong nuclear force acts only within the nucleus and has no significant impact on the behavior of electrons orbiting the nucleus.

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