Question

(a) Two characteristic properties of nuclear force. (b) Plot potential energy of a nucleon pair vs. separation. Two conclusions from the plot.

Hint:

(a) Range and nature of nuclear force. (b) Potential energy well and repulsive core.

Answer 1

(a) 1. Short Range (≈ 1 fm). 2. Attractive at intermediate distances, repulsive at very short distances. (b) [Graph of potential energy vs. separation; should show a negative well with a repulsive core at very short distances] Conclusions: 1. Minimum potential energy at r₀ (≈ 1 fm) indicates stable binding. 2. Positive potential energy at very short distances indicates a repulsive core.