Size of Nucleus
The nucleus of an atom is significantly smaller than the atom itself. Its radius spans from 1–10 × 10–15 meters, while the atom’s radius is typically 10–10 meters, making the nucleus occupy a tiny volume within the atom.
Comprised of nucleons—protons and neutrons—the nucleus holds most of the atom’s mass since these particles are much heavier than electrons. However, electrons occupy almost the entire volume of the atom.
The diameter of the nucleus varies from 1.70 fm (1.70×10–15 m) for hydrogen to about 11.7 FM (femtometre) for uranium.
Atomic Nucleus
The nucleus of an atom is a small, dense, round region located in the centre of an atom. It has two subatomic particles, protons and neutrons. Protons are electrically positively charged ions having a mass of approximately one atomic mass unit (amu). Neutrons are electrically neutral.
The atomic nucleus is bonded together by the strong force (also known as nuclear force), the most powerful known fundamental force in nature. The atomic nuclei have more than 99.9% of the atomic mass and are 10,000 times smaller. In 1911, Ernest Rutherford discovered the nucleus of an atom.
Before learning about the Nucleus we first need to learn about the Structure of atoms in brief so let’s start with that.
Table of Content
- Structure of Atom
- Nucleus Discovery
- Composition of a Nucleus
- Characteristics of Nucleus
- Mass of a Nucleus
- Size of Nucleus
- Atomic Number
- Atomic Mass