nuclear interactions

Nuclear interactions refer to the forces that hold together the particles in an atomic nucleus, primarily protons and neutrons. These particles are bound by the strong nuclear force, which is much stronger than the electromagnetic force that causes like charges to repel. However, the strong force acts only over very short distances. Additionally, some nuclear interactions can lead to processes like nuclear decay, where an unstable nucleus transforms into a more stable one, often releasing energy. Understanding these interactions is crucial for fields like nuclear energy and medicine, as well as for explaining the fundamental behavior of matter.