Tuumitugevust

Tuumitugevust refers to the force that holds the nucleus of an atom together. It is also known as the nuclear strong force or simply the strong force. This fundamental force is one of the four fundamental forces in nature, alongside gravity, electromagnetism, and the weak nuclear force. The strong force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons.

The range of the strong force is extremely short, acting only over distances comparable to the size of an atomic nucleus, roughly $10^{-15}$ meters. Despite its short range, it is the strongest of the four fundamental forces. This immense strength is what allows the nucleus to remain stable. The force is mediated by particles called gluons, which are exchanged between quarks, the fundamental constituents of protons and neutrons.

Without the strong nuclear force, atomic nuclei would break apart due to the repulsion between protons. This would mean that elements heavier than hydrogen could not exist. The strong force is also indirectly responsible for nuclear energy, as the energy released in nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion, comes from the conversion of mass into energy according to Einstein's famous equation, $E=mc^2$. This mass difference is a consequence of the binding energy provided by the strong force.