Meson Exchange Theory

Meson Exchange Theory is a scientific model explaining how protons and neutrons (which make up atomic nuclei) interact. It suggests that these particles don't just directly attract or repel each other but do so through the exchange of particles called mesons—similar to how particles of light (photons) mediate electromagnetic forces. These mesons act as carriers of the nuclear force, enabling protons and neutrons to stay bound within the nucleus. The theory helps us understand the strong nuclear force, a fundamental interaction that holds the atomic nucleus together despite the repulsive electric forces between positively charged protons.