Nucleus Stability

Question 1

What dose the strong nuclear force do?

Answer 1

The strong nuclear force overcomes the electrostatic force of repulsion between the protons in the nucleus and keeps the protons and neutrons together.

Question 2

What are some key features about the strong nuclear force?

Answer 2

• It has the same effect between two protons as it does between two neutrons or a proton and a neutron.
• It is an attractive force between 0.5fm and 4fm, below this it becomes a repulsive force that prevents neutrons and protons being pushed into each other.
• It has a range of up to 4fm, electrostatic force has an infinite range, but it’s strength decreases as distance increases.

Question 3

What is alpha radiation?

Answer 3

Consists of alpha particles:
2 Protons
2 Neutrons.

Question 4

What is beta radiation?

Answer 4

Beta radiation consists of fast moving electrons.

Question 5

What is gamma radiation?

Answer 5

• Electromagnetic radiation emitted by an unstable nucleus, has no mass or charge.

Question 6

When is gamma radiation emitted?

Answer 6

• Occurs following an alpha or beta emission.

* Only when an unstable nucleus has too much energy.