IB Physics SL E.3.5 Strong Nuclear Force

Practise explaining nuclear stability through the short-range strong force between nucleons and comparing its attractive range with proton-proton electrostatic repulsion.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
Level
SL

Exam points

  • state that the strong interaction acts between nucleons and is attractive over nuclear-scale separations
  • compare its short range with the longer-range electrostatic repulsion between protons
  • use the balance of strong attraction and Coulomb repulsion to explain stability trends in larger nuclei

E.3.5—Strong nuclear force question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

The neutron number N and the proton number Z are not equal for the nuclide 81205Tl{ }_{81}^{205} \mathrm{Tl}. Explain, with reference to the forces acting within the nucleus, the reason for this.

All question bank results loaded