NUCLEAR FORCES AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS| Class 12 Physics | CBSE ICSE скачать в хорошем качестве

NUCLEAR FORCES AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS| Class 12 Physics | CBSE ICSE

The nuclear force is a fundamental, short-range, and highly attractive force that binds protons and neutrons (nucleons) together to form the atomic nucleus. It overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons. Acting at distances of a few femtometers ( to ), this force is about 10 million times stronger than chemical bonding forces. Key Properties and Characteristics Short-Range: The force is extremely strong at ranges of ( ) but becomes insignificant beyond . Strongly Attractive/Repulsive: While primarily attractive to hold the nucleus together, it becomes strongly repulsive at distances less than , preventing the nucleus from collapsing. Charge Independent: The force acts between proton-proton ( ), neutron-neutron ( ), and proton-neutron ( ) pairs almost identically. Non-Central: The force depends on the orientation (spin) of the nucleons rather than just the distance between them. Residual Force: The nuclear force is actually a residual, or "leftover," effect of the stronger "strong interaction" that binds quarks inside protons and neutrons. Types of Nuclear Forces Strong Nuclear Force: Holds nucleons together in the nucleus. Weak Nuclear Force: Responsible for radioactive decay (beta decay). Significance This force is responsible for the stability of all atomic matter. It is the power source behind nuclear energy production and nuclear weapons, utilizing the mass defect (binding energy).