A College Friend of Yours Who Has Been Postponing Taking

question 28

Multiple Choice

A college friend of yours who has been postponing taking any science courses hears you talking about the generation of nuclear energy in the Sun and makes the following observation: "The whole idea of the atomic nucleus is pretty ridiculous. If an oxygen nucleus consists of eight protons and eight neutrons, the charge on that nucleus is positive. Since even I learned in high school that like charges repel, such a nucleus would find all its positive protons repelling and quickly fall apart." How would you answer his argument?

• A) gravity is much stronger than electric repulsion and holds every nucleus together
• B) the neutrons in the nucleus are negative, so they cancel the positive charge on the protons
• C) the nuclear force, which is attractive over short distances like the nucleus, and stronger than electricity, holds the nucleus together
• D) the electrons outside the nucleus repel the protons and keep them inside the nucleus
• E) there is no answer; scientists do not have a clue about how the nucleus manages to keep itself together

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Definitions:

Probable Loss

A potential financial loss that is likely to occur in the future, often reflected in financial statements as a provision.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest values in a set.

Gain Contingency

A potential financial gain that may occur in the future, dependent on certain events or conditions being met.