Because protons are all positively charged, they naturally want to repel each other.
) Decay: Emission of a helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons). Beta ( Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter
The process of slamming light nuclei (like Hydrogen isotopes) together to form a heavier one (like Helium). This is the power source of stars, including our Sun. It produces far more energy than fission with less radioactive waste, though it is currently difficult to sustain on Earth. 5. Radioactivity and Decay Because protons are all positively charged, they naturally
One of the most profound discoveries in nuclear physics is that the mass of a nucleus is actually less than the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons. This "missing mass" is known as the . According to Einstein’s equation, This is the power source of stars, including our Sun
Nuclear physics explores two primary ways to release this stored binding energy:
A nucleus is stable only if the strong force can overcome the electrostatic repulsion. This is why heavier atoms require more neutrons (which provide extra "strong force glue" without adding repulsion) to remain stable. 3. Binding Energy and