Question

Explain why it is easier for a nucleus to capture a neutron than for a nucleus to capture a proton.

Short answer

Neutrons are easier to capture because they are neutral and don't face electrostatic repulsion like protons.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Charges

A nucleus captures other particles more effectively when there is minimal electrostatic repulsion. Neutrons are neutral particles and do not experience electrostatic repulsion when approaching a nucleus. On the other hand, protons are positively charged, just like the nucleus, leading to strong electrostatic repulsion between the approaching proton and the nucleus.

Nuclear Forces Involved

Both neutrons and protons are affected by the strong nuclear force when they are very close to the nucleus. The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons in the nucleus, and it acts over very short ranges. Since the neutron does not face electrostatic repulsion, it can get closer to the nucleus and be more effectively captured by the strong nuclear force.

Potential Energy Consideration

When a charged particle like a proton approaches a nucleus, it must overcome the repulsive potential energy barrier due to electrostatic forces. Neutrons do not have this barrier to overcome since they are neutral particles, making it energetically easier for them to be captured by the nucleus.

Key concepts

Neutron Capture

Neutron capture is a fundamental process in nuclear chemistry that occurs when a nucleus absorbs a neutron. Due to its neutral charge, a neutron can effortlessly approach a nucleus without facing electrostatic repulsion. This makes it easier for the neutron to get close enough to be influenced by the strong nuclear force, which is crucial for capturing it by the nucleus. This process is pivotal in many natural and artificial nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in nuclear reactors and certain types of radioactive decay.

• Neutrons have no charge and do not experience repulsion from the nucleus.
• Neutron capture can lead to a more massive nucleus, sometimes making it unstable and causing radioactive decay.
• This process is essential for elements heavier than iron, which cannot be formed by fusion.

Electrostatic Repulsion

Electrostatic repulsion is a force that occurs between charged particles. In the context of a nucleus capturing particles, protons, which are positively charged, experience significant electrostatic repulsion as they approach the positively charged nucleus. This repulsion acts as a barrier, making it difficult for protons to get close to the nucleus. In contrast, neutron capture does not involve overcoming such repulsion, as neutrons are neutrally charged.

• Occurs between like-charged particles.
• Makes it challenging for protons to be captured by a nucleus.
• Does not affect neutrons, allowing easy capture by the nucleus.

Strong Nuclear Force

The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. It is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus. Despite its short range, it is incredibly powerful and works effectively when particles are very close. In neutron capture, this force overcomes the differences in charge and allows particles to bind together.

• Operates over very short distances, typically the size of an atomic nucleus.
• Overrides electrostatic repulsion at close range, allowing nucleons to bind.
• Plays a key role in stabilizing the nucleus and enabling neutron capture.

Potential Energy Barrier

The potential energy barrier refers to the energy hurdle that must be overcome for two particles to interact. For a charged particle like a proton, this energy barrier is primarily due to electrostatic repulsion from the nucleus. Neutrons, having no charge, don't face this barrier. As a result, they can be more easily incorporated into the nucleus during a reaction, making neutron capture more favorable compared to proton capture.

• Primarily affects charged particles due to electrostatic forces.
• Neutrons don't face energy barriers, simplifying their capture.
• Understanding potential energy barriers helps predict reaction outcomes.