Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 42 - Nuclear Physics - Exercises and Problems - Page 1274: 13

Answer

${\bf 8900}\;\rm N$ Note that this is a rough estimation from the graph which means your solution may differ from ours.

Work Step by Step

To estimate the strength of the strong force between two nucleons separated by 1.5 femtometers, we use the concept that force is the negative of the slope of the potential energy graph. $$F=-{\rm Slope}_U=-\dfrac{\Delta U}{\Delta r}$$ From the mentioned diagram, at $ r = 1.5 \, \text{fm} $, the potential energy $ U \approx -39\, \text{MeV}$. We can estimate that the slope of the graph at this point is as follows; A tangent line drawn to the curve at this point goes from $U=0\;\rm MeV$ to $U=-39\;\rm MeV$, and from $r=1.5\;\rm fm$ to $r=2.2\;\rm fm$. $$F =-\dfrac{ 0-(-39)}{(2.2-1.5)\times 10^{-15}}\times 10^6\times 1.6\times 10^{-19} $$ $$F=\bf -8914.29\;\rm N$$ Note that this is a rough estimation from the graph which means your solution may differ from ours. Thus, the strength of the strong force at this separation is given by $$F\approx \color{red}{\bf 8900}\;\rm N$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.