Why Doesn't Nucleus Become Unstable Due to Repulsion?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter yahsiv
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Nucleus
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The stability of atomic nuclei is primarily due to the nuclear force, also known as the residual strong force, which effectively counteracts the electromagnetic repulsion between protons. This force arises from the interactions that bind quarks into protons, creating a strong attractive force that holds protons together within a small volume. The discussion emphasizes that without this nuclear force, the repulsive forces among protons would lead to nuclear instability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, particularly the nuclear force.
  • Familiarity with particle physics, specifically quark interactions.
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and the role of protons and neutrons.
  • Basic grasp of electromagnetic forces and their effects on charged particles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and implications of the nuclear force in atomic stability.
  • Explore the role of quarks in particle physics and their interactions.
  • Study the differences between the strong force and electromagnetic force.
  • Investigate the concept of residual forces in complex particle systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in nuclear physics, particle physicists, and anyone interested in the fundamental forces that govern atomic stability.

yahsiv
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
the nucleus has protons arranged in a small volume then why doesn't the nucleus become unstable due to repulsion?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
yahsiv said:
the nucleus has protons arranged in a small volume then why doesn't the nucleus become unstable due to repulsion?

They are bound by the nuclear force, or the residual strong force, which is currently understood to be something of a side affect of the forces that bind quarks into protons in the first place.

In other words, the force that binds protons into protons has residual affects on the "next step" of complexity in particles.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K