key term - Strong nuclear force

Definition

The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, responsible for holding protons and neutrons together within an atomic nucleus. It operates at very short ranges, typically less than 1 femtometer (1 fm = $10^{-15}$ meters), but is extremely powerful.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The strong nuclear force is much stronger than the electromagnetic force, which causes protons to repel each other due to their positive charge.
2. It acts only between nucleons (protons and neutrons) within a very short range, typically less than 1 femtometer.
3. The particles that mediate the strong nuclear force are called gluons.
4. Without the strong nuclear force, atomic nuclei would not be stable and atoms as we know them could not exist.
5. The energy associated with the strong nuclear force is significant and is responsible for the large amounts of energy released in nuclear reactions such as fission and fusion.

Review Questions

Related terms

Nucleon: A collective term for protons and neutrons, which are the components of an atomic nucleus.

Gluon: A type of elementary particle that acts as the exchange particle for the strong nuclear force between quarks.

Binding Energy: The energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its component protons and neutrons; it reflects how strongly nucleons are held together by the strong nuclear force.