Question

The potential energy between two nucleons inside a nucleus is minimum at a distance of about:

• A. 0.8 fm
• B. 1.6 fm
• C. 2.0 fm
• D. 2.8 fm

Hint:

The minimum potential energy between nucleons in a nucleus corresponds to the equilibrium separation where the nuclear force is most effective at holding the nucleons together.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The potential energy between two nucleons inside a nucleus is typically described by the nuclear potential, which consists of both attractive and repulsive components. The attractive force dominates at larger distances, while the repulsive force comes into play at very short distances due to the Pauli exclusion principle and other quantum mechanical effects.
The minimum potential energy occurs when the attractive and repulsive forces balance each other. This typically happens when the separation between nucleons is around **0.8 femtometers (fm)**, which is the typical distance at which nuclear forces are most effective.