Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions

A student lists the nature of one of the fundamental forces in the table below. - It is always attractive - It acts between two masses - It has infinite range - It is stronger the closer two objects are to each other Which of the following fundamental forces is the student describing? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• A. Electromagnetic force

• B. Strong nuclear force

• C. Weak nuclear force

• D. Gravitational force

Answer explanation

The student describes the gravitational force, which is always attractive, acts between masses, has infinite range, and is stronger when objects are closer together. This matches the characteristics of gravitational force.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

How are electromagnetic and nuclear forces similar? Select TWO correct answers. (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• Both forces are short range.

• Both forces act between masses.

• Both forces are always repulsive.

• Both forces act on charged particles.

• Both forces can be attractive or repulsive.

Answer explanation

Electromagnetic and nuclear forces both act on charged particles, as nuclear forces affect protons and neutrons (which are charged), and they can be either attractive or repulsive, depending on the situation.

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Which of the following describes a property of an atom's nucleus and a possible application of that property? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• The nucleus of an atom contains a small number of low-energy bonds. Increasing the number of bonds increases the energy within the nucleus, which, when released, can be used to generate power.

• The nucleus of an atom contains a large amount of stored energy. If bonds in the nucleus are broken, the stored energy is released and can be used to generate power.

• The nucleus of a stable atom contains a specific number of protons and neutrons. Adding one or more protons to the nucleus can render an atom radioactive, which makes it useful for diagnostic imaging applications.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the nucleus contains a large amount of stored energy. When bonds are broken, this energy is released, which is the principle behind nuclear power generation.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following fundamental forces is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in an atom’s nucleus, ensuring atomic stability? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• Gravitational force

• Strong nuclear force

• Weak nuclear force

• Electromagnetic force

Answer explanation

The strong nuclear force is the fundamental force that binds protons and neutrons together in an atom's nucleus, overcoming the electromagnetic repulsion between protons and ensuring atomic stability.

In (a)   , where a heavy nucleus like Uranium-235 splits into smaller nuclei, the total mass of the resulting particles is less than the original nucleus. This “missing” mass is released as energy. (b)   combines smaller nuclei into a larger one. When this happens with light nuclei, the resulting nucleus has slightly less mass than the sum of the original particles, releasing (c)   in the process. (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• Fission
• Fusion
• Energy

Answer explanation

In fission, a heavy nucleus like Uranium-235 splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy due to the mass difference. In fusion, light nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, also releasing energy from the mass lost in the process.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which pair will experience the maximum gravitational force between the two masses? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• Pair 1

• Pair 2

• Pair 3

• Pair 4

Answer explanation

Pair 4 experiences the maximum gravitational force because gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Pair 4 has the largest masses and smallest distance.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which statement supports the answer to Part A? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• The distance between the two masses is the longest in pair 1.

• The distance between the two masses is the longest in pair 2.

• The distance between the two masses is least in pair 3.

• The distance between the two masses is least in pair 4.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that the distance between the two masses is least in pair 4, which directly supports the answer to Part A by indicating that this pair has the smallest separation.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

The picture below shows four identical balloons at different heights, carrying boxes of different masses. Which balloon experiences the most gravitational pull from Earth? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• A. Balloon 1

• B. Balloon 2

• C. Balloon 3

• D. Balloon 4

Answer explanation

Balloon 3 carries the heaviest box, thus it experiences the most gravitational pull from Earth. Gravitational force depends on mass, so the greater the mass of the box, the stronger the pull.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which list correctly orders the balloons by the magnitude of the force acting on each balloon by Earth's gravitational field at time t, starting with the balloon feeling the largest force? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

• A. 3, 4, 1, 2

• B. 3, 1, 4, 2

• C. 2, 4, 1, 3

• D. 2, 1, 4, 3

Answer explanation

The force of gravity on an object is proportional to its mass. Thus, the correct order by force is based on the mass of the balloons. Option B (3, 1, 4, 2) correctly ranks them from largest to smallest force.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which of the following combinations of charged spheres and separation distances produces an electrostatic force on the spheres of the same magnitude as the electrostatic force on A and B? (Fundamental Forces and Nuclear Reactions)

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4