Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- The Nucleus
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · The Nucleus
In a lithium vapour at room temperature, two lithium nuclei do not...
In a lithium vapour at room temperature, two lithium nuclei do not combine to form a carbon nucleus because
Options
- ACoulomb repulsion prevents the nuclei from coming very close
- Ba carbon nucleus is an unstable particle
- Ca lithium nucleus is bound more tightly than a carbon nucleus
- Dthe process is not energetically favourable
Correct answer
A. Coulomb repulsion prevents the nuclei from coming very close
Step-by-step solution
At room temperature, the thermal kinetic energy of lithium nuclei is very small (of the order of ).
For two lithium nuclei to fuse and form a carbon nucleus, they must approach each other within the range of the strong nuclear force (approximately m).
Since both lithium nuclei are positively charged, they experience a strong electrostatic (Coulomb) repulsion.
The kinetic energy at room temperature is completely insufficient to overcome this Coulomb barrier, preventing the nuclei from coming close enough to fuse.
For two lithium nuclei to fuse and form a carbon nucleus, they must approach each other within the range of the strong nuclear force (approximately m).
Since both lithium nuclei are positively charged, they experience a strong electrostatic (Coulomb) repulsion.
The kinetic energy at room temperature is completely insufficient to overcome this Coulomb barrier, preventing the nuclei from coming close enough to fuse.