Chapter 20, Problem 18STP

To determine

The strength of strong force and electromagnetic force in proton in small nucleus and large nucleus is to be determined.

Answer to Problem 18STP

In small nucleus, the strength of strong force in proton is large,whereas its strength of electromagnetic force is weak.

In large nucleus, the strength of strong force in proton is weak, and strength of electromagnetic force is large.

Explanation of Solution

Strong force is the force that causesthe proton and neutron to be attracted towards each other. Strong force is one of the four basis force in nature and 100 times stronger than electromagnetic force.

For small nucleus:

In small nucleus, few protons and neutrons are present in lesser area. Which causes each proton and neutron to attract each other with higher strong force. On the other hand, total electromagnetic force repelling the protons from other is small.

For large nucleus:

In large nucleus,many protons and neutron are present in nucleus, each proton and neutron are attracted by few neighbors by the strong force. This causes weaker strong force between all proton and neutron. But all proton exerts electromagnetic force on each other thus the electromagnetic force on the proton in large nucleus is large.

Conclusion:

Strong force and electromagnetic forces are depending upon size of nucleus.