Question

How do the forces that hold an atomic nucleus together compare in strength with the forces between atoms in a molecule?

Short answer

Nuclear forces that hold an atomic nucleus together, primarily the strong nuclear force, are significantly stronger than the forces between atoms in a molecule, which include covalent bonding and van der Waals forces. The strong nuclear force is short-range and about 10^2 (100 times) stronger than the electromagnetic force, which governs interactions between atomic nuclei and electrons, leading to intermolecular forces.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding nuclear forces

Nuclear forces are the forces that hold protons and neutrons together in an atomic nucleus. These forces are mainly composed of the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in nature along with gravity, the electromagnetic force, and the weak nuclear force. The strong nuclear force is a short-range force, with its effect diminishing rapidly with distance.

Understanding forces between atoms in a molecule

Forces between atoms in a molecule are mainly due to intermolecular forces like covalent bonding and van der Waals forces. Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, while van der Waals forces are weak, non-bonding interactions caused by fluctuating electrical charge distribution in molecules. Together, these forces are responsible for the various characteristics of molecular structures and interactions.

Comparing the strengths of nuclear forces and intermolecular forces

When comparing nuclear forces to intermolecular forces, it's evident that nuclear forces are significantly stronger. This difference comes from their origins in the fundamental forces of nature: the strong nuclear force is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus, while the electromagnetic force (which is much weaker than the strong nuclear force) is responsible for the interactions between atomic nuclei and electrons, leading to intermolecular forces like covalent bonding and van der Waals forces. To give an idea of their relative strengths, consider that the strong nuclear force is roughly 10^2 (100 times) stronger than the electromagnetic force. This means that the forces holding an atomic nucleus together are generally much stronger than the forces between atoms in a molecule.