Overcoming Nuclear Forces: A Look Into the Physics of the Atom

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of nuclear forces and their impact on the rest energy of atomic nuclei. It highlights that the rest energy of a nucleus is lower than the sum of its individual protons' and neutrons' rest energies due to the binding energy resulting from nuclear forces. Work is indeed required to overcome these forces when separating nucleons. The relationship between mass and energy, expressed by E=mc^2, is crucial in understanding this phenomenon. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the interplay between nuclear forces and energy in atomic structure.
Sarah0001
Messages
31
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
Why is it that the rest energy of a nucleus is less than the sum of the rest energies of its constituent protons and neutrons ?
Relevant Equations
E rest = mc^2
Is it that work is done to overcome the nuclear forces holding the nucleus together?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sarah0001 said:
Homework Statement: Why is it that the rest energy of a nucleus is less than the sum of the rest energies of its constituent protons and neutrons ?
Homework Equations: E rest = mc^2

Is it that work is done to overcome the nuclear forces holding the nucleus together?
The work done to separate them, yes.
 
  • Like
Likes Sarah0001
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is my understanding of nuclear fusion and binding energy correct?
Replies
1
Views
975
Balancing Nuclear Equations: Mass & Atomic Number Confusion
Replies
2
Views
1K
Electrons and their little role in nuclear physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Off by order of magnitude when calculating how much calcium is in bone
Replies
8
Views
2K
B Why don't neutrons bind into large out of control masses?
Replies
28
Views
3K
Why is the work done double its expected value? (conveyer belt)
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
A How does the strong force loses its strength with distance?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Strong Nuclear Force & Particle Accelerators
Replies
3
Views
1K
Electrostatics and nuclear force problem
Replies
7
Views
3K
I Decay constant of Different Elements and Isotopes?
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top