Particle Physics

Nuclear and Particle Physics

6.6.1 The Nuclear Atom

In nuclide notation A = nucleon number (atomic mass, protons + neutrons) and Z = proton number (number of protons)

Isotope - an atom with the same amout of protons but a different number of neutrons

Forces in the neucleus

Electrostatic - Only effects protons, has a long range and is repulsive

Gravitational - Effects all nucleons (particles with mass), has a long range and is attractive

Nuclear Strong - Effects all nucleons, short range 0-3fm and is repulsive below 0.5fm attractive 0.5-3fm and no force > 3fm

Nuclear Radius - The radius of a nucleus

R = r₀A^1/3 where R is the nuclear radius, r₀ is constant 1.2-1.5x10^-15 and A is the nucleon number

…