What is keeping the protons and neutrons in the nucleus? Why aren't they flying into outer space?

Question

Jeremiah Adams · Accepted Answer

They are constrained by the so-called #"strong nuclear force".....#

The #"strong nuclear force"# operates at impossibly short internuclear distances, i.e. #10^-15*m#, and operates between protons (the charged) nuclear particles, and neutrons. At this range the force is two orders of magnitude greater than the electrostatic force that would tend to pull the nucleus apart because of electrostatic repulsion.

As a chemist, I'm pretty sure I have no idea what a physicist is, so you'll have to find one.

Kai Bowman · Answer

undefined The protons and neutrons in the nucleus are held together by the strong nuclear force, one of the fundamental forces of nature. This force is mediated by particles called gluons. Despite the electromagnetic repulsion between protons, the strong nuclear force overcomes this repulsion and binds the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus. This force acts over very short distances, which is why it only affects particles within the nucleus and not those in outer space.

Natalie Anton · Answer

undefined The strong nuclear force is responsible for keeping protons and neutrons bound together in the nucleus. This force is much stronger than the electromagnetic force, which would otherwise cause positively charged protons to repel each other. It acts over very short distances but is powerful enough to overcome the electromagnetic repulsion between protons, thus keeping the nucleus stable.