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Chapter 18: Problem 11

Explain how the strong force holds a nucleus together despite the repulsive forces between protons.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The strong nuclear force binds the protons and neutrons (together called nucleons) within a nucleus, thereby overcoming the repulsive electrostatic force between protons. The effectiveness of strong nuclear force is contingent on the close proximity (within 1 femtometer) of the nucleons. Moreover, neutrons, being charge-neutral, contribute to the strong force without exacerbating the repulsive force, thus enabling stability in heavier atoms with numerous protons.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Repulsive Force Between Protons

Protons are positively charged particles present in the nucleus of an atom. As per Coulomb’s Law, like charges repel each other. So, the protons in the nucleus repel each other due to this electrostatic force.
02

Introduction to the Strong Nuclear Force

The strong nuclear force is one of the four basic forces in the universe, alongside gravity, the electromagnetic force, and the weak force. It plays a vital role in keeping protons and neutrons (nuclear particles) bound within the nucleus despite the electrostatic repulsion force.
03

Balancing the Forces Within the Nucleus

The strong nuclear force is much stronger than the electrostatic force. However, it is a short-range force. It becomes effective only when the nucleons (protons and neutrons) are very close to each other, within a distance of 1 fm (femtometer). When the nucleons are within this distance, the strong nuclear force overpowers the electrostatic force and binds the nucleons together, thereby maintaining the stability of the nucleus.
04

The Role of Neutrons

Another aspect to consider is the role of neutrons. Neutrons, which are electrically neutral, add to the strong nuclear force without increasing the repulsive electrostatic force since they carry no charge. Hence, neutrons play a vital role in stabilizing heavier atoms which have more protons.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose you are an energy consultant who has been asked to evaluate a proposal to build a power plant in a remote area of the desert. Research the requirements for each of the following types of power plant: nuclear-fission power plant, coal-burning power plant, solar-energy farm. Decide which of these power plants would be best for its surroundings, and write a paragraph supporting your decision.

What type of radioactive nuclide is injected into a person who is about to undergo a PET scan?

Why is the constant rate of decay of radioac- tive nuclei so important in radioactive dating?

The radiation given off by iodine-131 in the form of beta particles is used to treat cancer of the thyroid gland.Write the nuclear equation to describe the decay of an iodine-131 nucleus.

Balance the following nuclear reactions. \begin{equation}a. \quad_{93}^{239} \mathrm{Np} \longrightarrow_{-1}^{0} e+?\end{equation} \begin{equation}\begin{array}{l}{\text { b. }_{4}^{9} \mathrm{Be}+_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} \longrightarrow ?} \\ {\text { c. } _{15}^{32} \mathrm{P}+? \longrightarrow_{15}^{33} \mathrm{P}}\end{array}\end{equation} \begin{equation}d. _{92}^{236} \mathrm{U} \longrightarrow_{36}^{94} \mathrm{Kr}+?+3_{0}^{1} n\end{equation}
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