Calculating Strong Force on a Captured Neutron in a Nuclear Reactor

[mcdowellmg]

Homework Statement

A nucleus that captures a stray neutron [in a nuclear reactor, for example] must bring the neutron to a stop within the diameter of the nucleus by means of the strong force.That force, which "glues" the nucleus together, is approximately zero outside the nucleus. Suppose that a stray neutron with an initial speed of 1.7 x 107 m/s is just barely captured by a nucleus with a diameter of 1.3 x 10-14 m. Assuming the strong force on the neutron is constant, find the magnitude of that force. (The neutron's mass is 1.67x10-27 kg.)

Homework Equations

F=ma

[HINT: When the acceleration is constant, the velocity changes from vi to vf during some time interval. The average velocity over that interval is (vi + vf)/2.]

The Attempt at a Solution

I have NO idea where to begin...any pointers?

 

[lanedance]

assume the force only acts over the distance of the nucleus