Can Two Protons Exist in an Atom's Nucleus Without Neutrons?

Therefore, it is not possible for an atom to have only two protons in its nucleus, as the electrostatic repulsion between the protons would be too strong. This is why elements with only two protons in their nucleus, such as Helium 2, are not practically possible and require at least one neutron to bring the protons together. This is known as the diproton problem and is further discussed in the Wikipedia article on diprotons, which also provides additional references for further reading. In summary, elements with only two protons in their nucleus, such as Helium 2, are not practically possible and require at least one neutron to bring the protons together due to the strong force being stronger than the electrostatic rep
  • #1
Mighty_Tesla
1
0
Hi, I am a young physics student who wonders a lot about the atom, especially it's nucleus. I thought about the atom and realized that there could never be a nucleus of two protons because they both would reject each other. I have made some calculations and realized that the gravitational force is far lower than the electric force, so both protons would reject each other. Is there an element with only two protons in it's nucleus? or does it needs neutrons to bring the protons together? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
2 protons in the nucleus, Helium 2, is not (practically) possible. There needs to be at least one neutron in the nucleus for the strong force to overcome the electrostatic-repulsion of the Protons.

For further information on diprotons, see the wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diproton (also see references provided)

The force that keeps the atom together is the Strong force, not the gravitational force (which is far too weak).
 

Related to Can Two Protons Exist in an Atom's Nucleus Without Neutrons?

1. What is a proton-proton interaction?

A proton-proton interaction is a type of collision that occurs between two protons, which are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. These interactions are important in understanding the fundamental forces and structure of matter.

2. What happens during a proton-proton interaction?

During a proton-proton interaction, the two protons come into contact and exchange energy. This can result in the production of new particles, such as mesons or baryons, or the scattering of the protons in different directions.

3. What is the significance of studying proton-proton interactions?

Studying proton-proton interactions allows scientists to better understand the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for holding the nucleus of an atom together. It also helps to test and validate theories in particle physics and provides insights into the structure of matter.

4. How are proton-proton interactions studied?

Proton-proton interactions are studied using high-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The protons are accelerated to near the speed of light and then collided, allowing scientists to observe the resulting particles and their properties.

5. Can proton-proton interactions be dangerous?

Proton-proton interactions can be dangerous if they occur at extremely high energies. However, in controlled environments such as particle accelerators, safety measures are in place to ensure the protection of researchers and the surrounding environment.

Similar threads

A Interaction between neutrons and nuclei during scattering
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
666
A How can quarks exist if they are confined?
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
65
Views
8K
I Can proton/neutron decay be avoided in some conditions?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
290
I Impossibility of constructing a particle consisting of only neutrons and proton-neutron interaction
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
976
B The Effect of Binding Energy on Mass
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
1K
B Why does the nucleus become unstable as the number of nucleons increases?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
12
Views
3K
Proton Vibrations: The Behavior of Protons When Not Bound to Nucleus
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
5K
I Can Neutron-X Fusion Reactions Overcome the Repulsion Problem in Fusion Energy?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
B Can a hydrogen atom become a neutron?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top