nükleerçekirdek
Nükleerçekirdek refers to the central part of an atom, also known as the atomic nucleus. It is composed of protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons. Protons carry a positive electrical charge, while neutrons have no charge. The number of protons in a nucleus determines the element's atomic number and its chemical properties. The number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes of the same element. The nucleus is extremely small compared to the overall size of the atom, but it contains almost all of the atom's mass. The strong nuclear force holds the protons and neutrons together, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons. The stability of a nucleus depends on the balance between these forces. Unstable nuclei can undergo radioactive decay, transforming into different nuclei and emitting radiation. Nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion, involve changes within the nucleus and can release significant amounts of energy. The study of the nucleus is a fundamental aspect of nuclear physics and has led to numerous technological applications, including nuclear power generation and medical imaging.