If the nucleus of an atom has only positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, and like charges repel.... what holds the atom together?
Sue
2006-10-30 13:57:20 · 5 answers · asked by newbiegranny 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Neutrons play a part in holding the protons together within the nucleus. As the number of protons increases, a greater amount of neutrons is required to ensure stability. Particles called pi-mesons can "jump" between neutrons and protons, keeping the nucleus held together. It is impossible to explain how this works without going into a lot of immensely complex detail.
2006-10-31 02:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by Robert C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The so-called "strong" force, which is (barely) strong enough to keep things together notwitstanding the electrostatic repulsion. Neutrons are important to this process; every element with two or more protons contains at least one. Which is about as far as I can go into the subject without bringing in quarks, gluons, and a lot of messy math.
2006-10-30 14:14:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because there is an even stronger force, called the "nuclear strong force". In nuclear reactions (either bombs, or power plants), the nucleus splits in two or three pieces, so a TINY bit of that nuclear strong force gets released. But the said tiny bit is already enough to do Hiroshima. Which shows you just how strong this force is. Hope this helps
2016-05-22 13:46:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the atom has neutrons and electron spin around it at like 167thousand miles per second. so i would say that the gravitational pull of the atom holds it in place like the earth we are spinning at what 1041 mph and every thing on earth stays together.
2006-10-30 14:06:49 · answer #4 · answered by calvin t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
protons and electrons
2006-10-30 13:58:55 · answer #5 · answered by J 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋