Physics - Introductory Nuclear

: A powerful, short-range force that overcomes the electrical repulsion between protons to bind nucleons together.

: The nucleus consists of hadrons : protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral charge). Atomic Number ( Introductory Nuclear Physics

) : The number of protons, which defines the element's identity. : The number of neutrons. Atomic Mass Number ( ) : The total sum of protons and neutrons ( Nuclear Density : Nuclei are incredibly dense, roughly : A powerful, short-range force that overcomes the

: The splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller parts, releasing a massive amount of energy. : The number of neutrons

Nuclear stability and behavior are governed by two of nature's four fundamental forces:

Introductory Nuclear Physics Report Nuclear physics is the study of the , its constituents (protons and neutrons), and the fundamental interactions that hold them together. While atoms are small, the nucleus is a tiny, massive core at the center, typically only a few femtometers ( 10-1510 to the negative 15 power meters) across. Core Concepts of the Atomic Nucleus