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The atomic nucleus is the central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons—collectively known as nucleons—bound by the strong nuclear force. Discovered by Ernest Rutherford in 1911, the nucleus determines an element's identity and isotopes. Nuclear physics studies the nucleus's size, composition, and the interactions that influence its stability. Theoretical models like the liquid drop, shell, and cluster models help explain its structure and properties.
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Ernest Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus in 1911
Protons and Neutrons
Protons carry a positive charge while neutrons are electrically neutral, and together they make up the nucleus
Nucleons
Nucleons are the particles that make up the nucleus and are held together by the strong nuclear force
The number of protons determines the element, while the presence of neutrons contributes to the atomic mass and allows for the existence of isotopes
Atomic nuclei come in various sizes, typically measured in femtometers
Liquid Drop Model
The liquid drop model treats the nucleus as a drop of incompressible fluid, emphasizing the collective behavior of nucleons
Shell Model
The shell model suggests that nucleons occupy discrete energy levels or shells within the nucleus, similar to the arrangement of electrons in atoms
Cluster Model
The cluster model considers the nucleus as a grouping of tightly bound nucleons
Ernest Rutherford's gold foil experiment led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus and revolutionized our understanding of atomic structure
The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and is responsible for holding nucleons together within the nucleus
The balance between the strong nuclear force and the electromagnetic force determines the stability of a nucleus
Nuclei with too many or too few neutrons relative to protons are unstable and may undergo radioactive decay, making neutrons essential for the stability of heavier nuclei
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Definition of nucleons
Nucleons are protons and neutrons, the subatomic particles in the nucleus.
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Role of strong nuclear force
Strong nuclear force binds nucleons together, overcoming electrostatic repulsion.
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Impact of neutrons on atomic properties
Neutrons contribute to atomic mass and create isotopes, differing in neutron count.
