Linus claims that the added gravitational force of neutrons holds the particles in a nucleus together. Linnea says that they stick together because they lose their electric charge when they form a nucleus. Which one, if either, is correct, and why? A) Linus, because more particles exert gravitational forces on one another than exert electromagnetic forces. B) Linus, because the numerical magnitude of G/k_e is 7.42 × 10−²¹. C) Linnea, because the numerical magnitude of G/k_e is 7.42 × 10−²¹. D) Both, because electric charge is lost and then gravity holds the nucleus together. E) Neither, because gravity is not lost, and the numerical magnitude of k_e/G is 1.35 × 10²⁰.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neither Linus nor Linnea is correct. The force that holds the particles in a nucleus together is not due to gravity or the loss of electric charge, but rather the strong nuclear force, which is much stronger than gravity at the scale of atomic nuclei. The numerical magnitude mentioned in the choices is irrelevant to the explanation of nuclear binding.

Linus Claims That the Added Gravitational Force of Neutrons Holds