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Subatomic Particles
Subatomic Particles
(p. 1)
by Ed O'Sullivan, Alverno College
ed.osullivan@alverno.edu
The nucleus of an atom is composed of positive protons and neutral neutrons. We will run some simulations to find out if such an arrangement should hold itself together.
The simulator below contains 6 positive particles (not necessarily protons) and no neutral particles. Press the Run button and observe what happens for at least 10 seconds.
If positive particles repel one another, then you might wonder why the nucleus doesn't spontaneously come apart. Consider the simulation below in which six neutral particles (not necessarily neutrons) have been mixed in with the six positive ones. Press the Run button and observe what happens for at least 10 seconds.
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Which of the following best describes what happened to the positive
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They separated because like charges attract.
They separated because like charges repel.
They stayed close together because like charges attract.
They stayed closed together because like charges repel.
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Did the neutral particles keep the positive ones from separating?
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Yes
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