Question

critical thinking

1. explain electromagnetic forces cause protons to repel each other. why dont the nuclei of atoms fly apart due to the electromagnetic forces between the protons?

Explanation:

Protons have positive charges. According to Coulomb's law, like charges repel each other due to electromagnetic forces. However, there is a stronger force called the strong nuclear force that acts between nucleons (protons and neutrons) in the nucleus. This force is attractive and overcomes the electromagnetic repulsion between protons at very short distances (within the nucleus), keeping the nucleus intact.

Answer:

Protons repel each other due to electromagnetic forces (like charges repel). Nuclei don't fly apart because the strong nuclear force (a stronger, attractive force at short distances) overcomes the electromagnetic repulsion between protons in the nucleus.