How does strong nuclear force affect an atom?

Answer 1

Well, look at it this way:

Two of the same kind of charges repel each other, right ?

Now, how about two protons in the nucleus of an atom ? The charge on each proton

is 1.6 x 10-19 coulomb, and they're about 4 x 10-15 meter apart. It's easy to calculate

the strength of the force pushing them apart. It's about 3.1 pounds ! ! ! Trying to push

two little particles apart that each weigh about 0.0000000000000000000000000589 ounce !

But the nucleus of every atom in the universe does not fly apart.

That's the role of the strong nuclear force.

Answer 2

Why does the observed structure of atoms depend on the nuclear strong force and also the electromagnetic force?

Imagine a prize fight between two very different -- but both very good -- boxers. One boxer is short and stout, packing a powerful punch, but he does not have much reach. The other is tall and lanky, but lacks a knockout punch. Which fighter will win the bout?

Ignoring the crazily-orbiting electrons for a moment, the arena of the atomic nucleus is very similar to the prize fight we just considered.

The nuclei of all atoms contain protons and neutrons (excepting hydrogen, the first element; one proton only.) Protons, you may remember from school, possess a positive electrical charge. Positive charges repel one another by the electromagnetic force. They want to get away from each other (repulsive.) So how can we have all of these atoms heavier than hydrogen, with their positively charged protons, together in such close proximity?

The answer is the nuclear strong force, which always attracts by nature. It is much stronger than the electromagnetic force, but very short-ranged, like the hooks in Velcro.

Protons possess not only the electromagnetic force, but also the attractive nuclear strong force. Neutrons have no electromagnetic charge, and contribute only to the strong force, making atoms heavier than hydrogen possible. We can thank our short, stout fighter for the dizzying array of atoms observed in nature. Life would not be possible if there were only hydrogen.

But the proton cannot be counted out. In very heavy elements, those heavier than Lead (Pb), time and the repulsive half of the electromagnetic force win again, and result in the radioactive decay (into simpler lighter elements) of the heaviest atoms. What we humans choose to do with some of those heavy elements is no light matter.

Answer 3

Well, look at it this way:

Two of the same kind of charges repel each other, right ?

Now, how about two protons in the nucleus of an atom ? The charge on each proton

is 1.6 x 10-19 coulomb, and they're about 4 x 10-15 meter apart. It's easy to calculate

the strength of the force pushing them apart. It's about 3.1 pounds ! ! ! Trying to push

two little particles apart that each weigh about 0.0000000000000000000000000589 ounce !

But the nucleus of every atom in the universe does not fly apart.

That's the role of the strong nuclear force.

Answer 4

The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom, overcoming the electromagnetic repulsion between positively charged protons. This force is responsible for holding the nucleus together and determining the stability of an atom. Without the strong nuclear force, atoms would not be able to exist in their current form.

Answer 5

holds nucleus together.

it also holds the quarks that make up the protons and neutrons inside the protons and neutrons.

Answer 6

The strong nuclear force is what is keeping the nucleus from breaking apart so essentially it is what keeps the atom alive.

Answer 7

it holds protons and neutrons together

Answer 8

it holds nucleus together.