Use the potential-energy diagram in Figure 42.8 to estimate the strength of the strong force between two nucleons separated by 1.5 fm.

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U (MeV) Potential energy of two nucleons 20- Electrostatic potential energy of two protons 10- r (fm) 4 2 - 10 The strong force has vanished by r= 3 fm. -20 -30- The maximum force occurs at r 1.5 fm, where the slope is maximum. -40- -50- Point of stable equilibrium