Protons are positively charged and repel other protons. Which other particle is found in the nucleus and separates protons so that the strong force can hold the nucleus together?
A) electrons
B) neutrons
C) protons
D) quarks
Well, I suppose you want something neutral so try neutrons.
The correct answer is B) neutrons.
To understand why neutrons help in holding the nucleus together, let's first clarify the roles of protons and electrons. Protons have a positive charge and are found in the nucleus of an atom. On the other hand, electrons are negatively charged and orbit around the nucleus.
The positive charge of protons tends to repel other protons, making it difficult for the nucleus to remain stable. This is where neutrons come in. Neutrons are electrically neutral particles found in the nucleus alongside protons. Since neutrons have no charge, they do not contribute to the repulsive forces between protons.
The strong force, also known as the strong nuclear force, is the attractive force that holds the nucleus together against the electromagnetic repulsion of protons. Neutrons play a crucial role in this process. Their presence helps overcome the repulsion between protons and allows the strong force to maintain the stability of the nucleus.
In summary, while protons carry a positive charge and repel each other, the presence of neutrons in the nucleus counteracts this repulsion and enables the strong force to hold the nucleus together. Therefore, neutrons are the particles found in the nucleus that separate protons, allowing for the stability of the nucleus.