Q54 PE - College Physics (Urone)

Question

What is the ratio of the strength of the strong nuclear force to that of the electromagnetic force? Based on this ratio, you might expect that the strong force dominates the nucleus, which is true for small nuclei. Large nuclei, however, have sizes greater than the range of the strong nuclear force. At these sizes, the electromagnetic force begins to affect nuclear stability. These facts will be used to explain nuclear fusion and fission later in this text.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The strength of strong nuclear force relative to electromagnetic force is ${10}^2$.

Introduction of strong nuclear force and electromagnetic force

Nuclear forces play a vital role in the structure of matter and they act over a short range. These forces help in determining the stability of nuclei.

 

Electromagnetic forces are long-range forces that act over large distances. These forces can be attractive or repulsive in nature.

Strength of strong nuclear force relative to the electromagnetic force

The relative strength of the strong nuclear force is of the order of 1 whereas the relative strength of the electromagnetic force is ${10}^{-2}$.

 

Determine the ratio of the strong nuclear force to the electromagnetic force as:

 

$$\begin{gathered} \frac{F_{N,s}}{F_{electric}}=\frac{1}{{10}^{-2}} \\ ={10}^2 \end{gathered}$$

 

Here, $F_{electric}$ is the electromagnetic force, and $F_{N,s}$ is the strong nuclear force.

 

Hence, the strength of strong nuclear force relative to electromagnetic force is ${10}^2$.