BRAINCAKEQuantum Tunnelling
In the nucleus, neutrons and protons are bound together by the strong nuclear force. The strong nuclear force makes it difficult to remove a nucleon. The electrostatic force of repulsion makes it difficult to add a proton.
Clusters of neutrons and protons can form within a very large nucleus. If a cluster of 2 neutrons and 2 protons forms the binding energy is large (7MeV per nucleon) compared to other clusters and the alpha particle formed gains kinetic energy equal to the binding energy. This energy is not sufficient to leave the nucleus.
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Key terms in this lesson
- Binding energy
- The energy needed to completely separate a nucleus into its individual, unbound protons and neutrons.
More in Nuclear Energy
- Mass-Energy Equivalence
- Strong Nuclear Force
- Binding Energy and Nuclear Stability
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
- Nuclear Reactors
- Safety
All 8 lessons in Nuclear Energy · All AQA A-level Physics topics