Nuclear Physics: Exploring The Heart Of Matter -

Because protons are all positively charged, they naturally want to repel each other.

A nucleus is stable only if the strong force can overcome the electrostatic repulsion. This is why heavier atoms require more neutrons (which provide extra "strong force glue" without adding repulsion) to remain stable. 3. Binding Energy and Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter

) Decay: Emission of a helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons). Beta ( Because protons are all positively charged, they naturally

) Decay: Emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation to shed excess energy. 6. Modern Applications Beyond energy production, nuclear physics is vital for: Because protons are all positively charged