2.34. Atomic Forces http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 2.63
The types of quarks found in protons and
neutrons are called up quarks (u) and
down quarks (d). Each proton consists
of two up quarks and one down quark
(uud), and each neutron consists of one
up quark and two down quarks (udd).
This diagram represents two protons.or radioactive, so it breaks down. The following video discusses the strong nuclear force and its role in the atom.
The video also introduces the weak nuclear force, which is described next.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41-LdIFvC9I (3:32)
MEDIA
Click image to the left for use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/54897Weak Nuclear Force
The weak nuclear force is transferred by the exchange of force-carrying fundamental particles called W and Z
bosons. This force is also a very short-range force that works only within the nucleus of the atom. It is much weaker
than the strong force or electromagnetic force that are also at work inside the atom. Unlike these other two forces,
the weak nuclear force does not bind subatomic particles together in an atom. Instead, it changes subatomic particles
from one type to another. TheFigure2.64 shows one way this can happen. In this figure, an up quark in a proton is
changed by the weak force to a down quark. This changes the proton (uud) to a neutron (udd).
FIGURE 2.64
Q:If the weak force causes a proton to change to a neutron, how does this change the atom?