Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (a) The nucleus has most of the mass and comprises most of the volume of an atom.
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 22d
Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (d) The protons in the nucleus of the helium atom are held together by a force called the strong nuclear force.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Strong Nuclear Force
The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in an atomic nucleus. It is a short-range force that acts between particles called baryons, which include protons and neutrons. This force is significantly stronger than the electromagnetic force that causes protons to repel each other due to their positive charges, thus allowing the nucleus to remain stable.
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Helium Atom Structure
A helium atom consists of two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons. The protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus at the center of the atom, while the electrons orbit around the nucleus. The presence of two protons in the nucleus creates a strong electromagnetic repulsion, which is counteracted by the strong nuclear force, allowing the nucleus to remain intact despite this repulsion.
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Nuclear Stability
Nuclear stability refers to the ability of an atomic nucleus to remain intact without undergoing radioactive decay. This stability is influenced by the balance between the strong nuclear force, which binds nucleons together, and the electromagnetic force, which causes repulsion among protons. In helium, the strong nuclear force effectively overcomes the repulsive forces, resulting in a stable nucleus, which is why helium is a common and stable element.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (b) Every atom of a given element has the same number of protons.
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Textbook Question
Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (c) The number of electrons in an atom equals the number of neutrons in the atom.
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Textbook Question
Consider an atom of 10B. (a) How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does this atom contain?
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Textbook Question
Consider an atom of 10B. (b) What is the symbol of the atom obtained by adding one proton to 10B?
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Textbook Question
Consider an atom of 10B. (c) What is the symbol of the atom obtained by adding one neutron to 10B?
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