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Chapter 3: Problem 17

If all protons have positive charges, how can any atomic nucleus be stable?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The atomic nucleus is stable because the attractive strong nuclear force overcomes the repulsive electrical force among protons at short distances, holding the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Forces

At atomic level, two main forces act on protons in nucleus: the electrical force and the strong nuclear force. The electrical force between two protons is repulsive due to their positive charges.
02

Role of Strong Nuclear Force

The strong nuclear force, on the other hand, is an attractive force that operates only at very short distances and is much stronger than the electric force. This force attracts all protons and neutrons to each other, keeping them in the atomic nucleus.
03

Equilibrium of Forces

The balance between these forces leads to the stability of nucleus. While protons repel each other due to electric force, the strong nuclear force overpowers this repulsion at short distances and keeps the atomic nucleus stable.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate the number of protons of the atom whose mass number is 19 and whose number of neutrons is 10.

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