Chapter 40, Problem 29A

Why does a neutron often make a better nuclear bullet than a proton?

To determine

The reason for neutron a better nuclear bullet then the proton.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The nucleus has two elements name neutron and proton. These subatomic particles are bind by the strong nuclear force.

The subatomic particles in an atom are dividing in the charged particle and uncharged particle. The proton is the positively charged, and the electron is negatively charged. The neutron is kind of an uncharged particle amongst the subatomic particles.

The proton is positively charged and remains under the effect of repulsive force of other protons, and the neutron is electrically neutral, so remain unaffected by the presence of other particles.

The speed of the proton reduces due to the repulsive force, but the speed of the neutron remains constant, neutron often makes a better nuclear bullet than a proton.

Conclusion:

Thus, the neutron often makes a better nuclear bullet than a proton because the repulsive force reduces the speed of the proton but the speed of the neutron remains constant.