Strong Nuclear Force

Introduction
The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. It is also known as nuclear
force or nuclear interactions. It is the focre which acts between sub-atomic particles of matter.

Definition
Nuclear forces are the forces that act between two or more nucleons. The nuclear force is the force
that binds the protons and neutrons in a nucleus together. This force can exist between protons and
protons, neutrons and protons, or neutrons and neutrons.

Explanation
The nuclear force is about 10 million times stronger than the chemical binding force. This force binds
quarks together in clusters to make more familiar subatomic particles, such as protons and neutrons.
The particles responsible for carrying the strong nuclear force are known as gluons. It is so-called
because the particles are like ‘glue,’ that holds the protons, neutrons, and quarks together. An
exchange of gluons causes the strong nuclear force. The theory that describes the strong force is
called quantum chromodynamics (QCD).

Properties of Nuclear Force

When the strong nuclear force is acting within the dimension of a neutron or a proton it is known as the
strong nuclear force.
When nuclear force is acting outside the domain of a neutron or a proton to create a stable nuclear
structure then it is known as nuclear force or residual nuclear force.

Spin Dependent
Nuclear force depends on the spin of the particle. Forces between nucleons are strong when spins are
parallel and weak when spins are anti-parallel. For example, if we consider two same particles e.g.,
proton and proton then force for the two particles (p-p) whose spin is same i.e., ↑↑ or ↓↓ is greater
as compared t on the nuclear force for particles of different spin ↑↓ or ↓↑.

or

Charge Independent
Nuclear force is charge independent. It does not effect by charge. It acts equally between a proton and
a proton, neutron and a neutron, and proton and a neutron. The nuclear force is identical for all
nucleons because once the coulomb resistance is taken into consideration, nuclear force affects
everything in the same way.

Short Range
The strong nuclear force is of extremely short range meaning that particles must be extremely close
before its effect can be felt. At 1 fermi (10 -15), the distance between particles in a nucleus is tiny (or
negligible). At this range, nuclear force is much stronger than the coulomb’s force (repulsive) that
pushes the particles away. However, if the distance is more than 2.5 fermi, nuclear force is practically
non-existent.

Distance Dependent
It is highly dependent upon distance. Inside a proton or neutron, force does not decrease with distance.
But outside a proton or neutron, strong force between them drops greatly about a fermi distance.
Inside a nucleus, there are two types of particles, a proton and a neutron. The neutrons are neutral
particles whereas a proton is a positively charged particle.
So here the question arises that, since proton is a positively charged and positively charged particles
repel one another. How can so many positively charged particles exist inside the nucleus in such a tiny
amount of space?
The nucleus is usually very small. Even the largest nuclei have a radius of around 7fm (1fm=10-15m),
which is a very tiny space. Let us take an example of two protons which are at the distance of 1fm.
Then the Coulomb repulsion between these two protons will be found by:
230N is a large amount of force which tries to break the protons apart. So here question arises that how
is it possible for so many protons to exist in stable nuclear configuration.
Ans: Because of the nuclear force and its nature of attraction and repulsion. The nuclear force is very
powerful than Coulomb repulsion. Nuclear force varies with distance.
Attractive: At a distance of greater than 0.8 or equals to 1fm, the strong nuclear force becomes
attractive. The force existing between the nucleons is of the order of 25000N (powerful force). And
beyond 1fm to 2.5fm it decreases exponentially. And from 2.5 to 3fm the nuclear force becomes
negligible.
Repulsive: At a distance of less than 0.8fm, the strong nuclear force becomes repulsive. Repulsive
component of the force decides the size of the nucleus.

Saturated Force
Nuclear forces are saturated forces. It means each nucleon attracts only
those nucleons which are its immediate neighbors. It does not interact with
all the nucleons.
Strongest in Nature
The most potent force in nature. The nuclear force is about 10 million times
stronger than the chemical binding force. It is 137 times stronger than the
electromagnetic force, 106 times stronger than the weak nuclear force, and
1.67 x 1038 times stronger than the gravitational force.

Exchange Force
Nuclear forces are exchange forces. The nuclear forces between the two nucleons is the result of
the exchange of π mesons ( π °, π +, π - ) between them.

Question: why protons do not repel each other. And why they stick together.?