The mass of the atom is due to the energy of strong force. So it is energy and not mass right?

In summary: In simpler terms, the energy stored in the strong nuclear force causes the mass of particles like protons and neutrons, which make up most of the visible universe. This is similar to how a charged battery weighs slightly more than a discharged one.
  • #1
avito009
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The mass of the nucleons (and, by extension, most of the visible universe) is caused by the energy stored up in the force field of the strong nuclear force. Please Explain this to me in layman's terms. I would appreciate the help. (I am being polite because phinds said so).

How does the energy of strong nuclear force get converted to mass inside the nucleous?
 
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  • #2
Protons and neutrons are each made up of three (valence) quarks plus gluons and virtual quark-antiquark pairs. The masses of the valence quarks add up to a small fraction of the total mass of either nucleon. The rest of the masses comes from the rest of the stuff which can be described as energy.
 
  • #3
avito009 said:
Please Explain this to me in layman's terms.
How does the energy of strong nuclear force get converted to mass inside the nucleus?

It's not so much that it is "converted to mass" as that energy has mass, as given by Einstein's famous ##E=mc^2##. For example, a charged electrical battery weighs slightly (very very slightly - it is a good exercise to calculate how much) more than the same battery when discharged.

The strong nuclear force is so strong over very short distances that the energy content of the nucleus accounts for a large fraction of the total mass of the nucleus.
 

1. What is the relationship between the mass of an atom and the energy of the strong force?

The mass of an atom is primarily due to the energy of the strong force. This force is responsible for holding together the subatomic particles, such as protons and neutrons, that make up the nucleus of an atom. Without this force, the particles would fly apart and the atom would not have any mass.

2. Is the mass of an atom purely due to its energy?

While the energy of the strong force does contribute significantly to the mass of an atom, there are other factors at play as well. For example, the mass of electrons, which orbit the nucleus, also contributes to the overall mass of an atom. Additionally, the energy of the strong force is only one component of the total energy of an atom.

3. How does the strong force differ from other types of energy?

The strong force is a fundamental force of nature that is responsible for holding together the nucleus of an atom. It is different from other forms of energy, such as electromagnetic energy, which is responsible for light and other forms of radiation.

4. Can energy and mass be converted into each other in the context of atoms?

According to Einstein's famous equation E=mc², energy and mass are equivalent and can be converted into each other under certain conditions. In the context of atoms, this is seen in nuclear reactions where a small amount of mass is converted into a large amount of energy, as in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.

5. How is the energy of the strong force calculated and measured?

The energy of the strong force is calculated and measured using complex mathematical equations and experiments. Scientists use particle accelerators and other tools to study the behavior of subatomic particles and the strength of the strong force. Theoretical calculations are also used to understand the nature of this fundamental force.

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