In an atom, there is a force that holds the protons & neutrons in the nucleus. Is this force called the nuclear force?
What about the force of attraction between the nucleus and electrons? Is is called the electrostatic force of attraction?
The first force you mentioned is usually called the "strong force". It takes place between "baryons" (such as protons and neutrons) whether they are in a nucleus or not.
The second force is electrostatic, as you mentioned. It is part of the electromagnetic force. It is better to call it the electromagnetic force, because the electrostatics and magnetism are strongly related by relativity rules.
thank you.
Yes, you are correct! The force that holds the protons and neutrons in the nucleus is called the nuclear force. This force is responsible for binding the nucleons (protons and neutrons) together in the nucleus.
The nuclear force is a very strong force but it has a very short range, which means it only acts within the nucleus itself. It binds the protons and neutrons together by overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons.
On the other hand, the force of attraction between the nucleus and the electrons is called the electrostatic force of attraction. This force arises due to the attraction between the positively charged protons in the nucleus and the negatively charged electrons orbiting around the nucleus.
The electrostatic force of attraction is a fundamental force within the atom and is responsible for keeping the electrons in their orbits or energy levels around the nucleus. This force acts over larger distances compared to the nuclear force, enabling the electrons to be influenced by the nucleus despite being much farther away.
So in summary, the force that holds the protons and neutrons in the nucleus is called the nuclear force, and the force of attraction between the nucleus and electrons is called the electrostatic force of attraction.