Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

SR No.: 002005
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jethalal S Zaveri, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 1995
Total Pages: 266
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, Philosophy, & Religion
File Size: 14 MB

Page 47

Atom in Modern Science
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times stronger than the repelling electromagnetic force. In fact, it is one hundred times stronger than the electromagnetic force and is the strongest force known in nature. I
We have already seen that the nucleus is about one hundred thousand times smaller than the atom itself but it contains almost all of the atom's mass. A nucleon has the same quantum nature as an electron and, therefore, reacts, to its being squeezed into a much smaller space, more violently than electron. It races about in the nucleus with an incredible velocity of about 40,000 to 50, 000 miles per second. We have already seen that the nuclear matter is extremely dense compared to matter at macro-level. The high velocity and high density of the nuclear matter is, thus, entirely different from any thing experienced at the macro-level.
The exclusively unique aspect of the strong nuclear force that makes the nucleus an extremely stable unit is that it acts as an attractive force when the constituent nucleons are at a distance of two to three times their diameter. The very same force is strongly repulsive when the distance becomes less so that the constituents cannot get any closer. Thus the equilibrium is dynamic and yet extremely stable.
The comparative instability of the radio-active elements is explained thus. The electromagnetic force of repulsion between the positively charged protons tries to disrupt the nucleus into its constituents. This force is countered by the strong nuclear force which tends to keep it unified. Now if the repulsive force predominates, the nucleus will have a tendency to break up into two or more parts, the process being known as 'fission'. On the contrary, if the strong nuclear force holds the upper hand, not only
1. This strong force can be compared to that encountered in ordinary liquids
causing the phenomenon of surface tension. In the atomic nuclei, we have similar force of much greater magnitudes acting as the cosmic cement which prevents the breacking up of the nucleus under the action of electric repulsion between the protons Thus, if we assume the nuclei of different elements to be droplets of a universal “nuclear fluid", the density of such a fluid will be 24x10' times that of the water. Its surface tension forces will
be about 101 times larger than those of water. 2. If a mass of about 100 kgs. were to be compressed to nuclear density, it
would take less space than an ordinary pin-head.