Chapter 24, Problem 42A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Strong nuclear force and the type of particles on which it can act needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Radioactive decay requires the conversion of an element into another one, except for the emission of gamma radiation. Such a reaction is called transmutation, in which the atomic number of an atom is changed.

Answer to Problem 42A

Strong nuclear force is occurs when protons and neutrons combined together. The strong nuclear force acts on very near together subatomic particles and defeats the electrostatic proton repulsion.

Explanation of Solution

Strong nuclear force acts only on the protons and neutrons inside the nuclei. Strong nuclear force is very powerful in order to bind the repulsion of protons. Strong nuclear force balances all the electrostatic forces that try to rend the nucleus apart.

Strong nuclear force has only a very short range, and its effect only be felt within the distance of a few neutrons, so, larger nuclei are unstable than smaller nuclei.

Conclusion

Strong nuclear force act on both protons and neutrons.