Stable and Unstable Nuclei Flashcards
1
Q
Which force repels protons?
A
Electrostatic Force
2
Q
Which force overcomes electrostatic force and holds the nucleus together?
A
Strong Force
3
Q
What is the range of the electrostatic force?
A
Infinite, but it diminishes
4
Q
What is the range of the strong force?
A
0.5fm - 3/4fm
5
Q
What happens to the strong force below 0.5fm?
A
It repels - preventing the nucleons being pushed together.
6
Q
Why are large nuclei unstable?
A
Larger nuclei - more protons - more electrostatic force. Larger the nucleus - less effective the strong force - short range - nucleus can split - radioactive decay - radiation emitted - element changes if protons leave.
7
Q
Define Coulomb Repulsion.
A
The electrical repulsion of positive protons from each each other.
