Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 33 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 633-634: 13

Answer

The "strong force" holds the nucleus together: this is an attractive force that acts between nucleons. However, the strong force acts over a very short range.

Work Step by Step

Protons in a large nucleus are generally farther apart than in a small nucleus, and the strong force is less effective at holding together distant protons. This makes the large nucleus a little less stable than a small nucleus. This is discussed on page 623.
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