Question

Yanni made a chart to compare the strong and weak forces. Which best describes Yanni’s error? Only the weak force is active in the nuclei of atoms. The weak force keeps particles that make up neutrons together. The strong force overcomes repulsion and keeps protons together. The strong force is responsible for radioactive decay..

Answer 1

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Nucleus of an atom consists of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged and neutrons have no charge. So, due to the like charges of protons there occurs electrostatic force of repulsion inside the nucleus of the atom.

But due to similar number of neutrons and protons a force that is able to bind both of them together is known as strong nuclear binding energy.

This force is strong enough that it is able to overcome electrostatic force of repulsion. But when there is great difference in the number of protons and neutrons then binding force is not strong enough.

Hence, the atom becomes unstable and undergoes radioactive decay. So, this means weak forces are responsible for radioactive decay.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement which best describes Yanni’s error is that the strong force is responsible for radioactive decay.

Answer 2

So it's the strong force that overcomes repulsion and keeps the nucleus together.