Chapter 20.1, Problem 2R

To determine

To compare: the forces in the small nucleus to forces in the large nucleus.

Answer to Problem 2R

In small nuclei, the strong forces are larger than the electrostatic repulsion on a proton due to the nucleons inside the nucleus whereas in the large nuclei the electrostatic repulsion on a proton is larger than the strong forces making the nucleons less tightly held together inside the nucleus and making the nucleus unstable.

Explanation of Solution

The nucleons inside the nucleus are bound together by the strong forces which operate effectively to only a small distance. They also act likely in the large nuclei but in the large nuclei having so many protons, the electrostatic repulsion on a proton overcome strong forces and thus making the nuclei highly radioactive as in such nuclei the nucleons are less tightly bound.

Conclusion:The large nuclei tend to be highly radioactive and less stable than small nuclei because of the larger number of protons leading to enormous amount of electrostatic repulsion.