Question

In a monatomic crystal with n atoms, the energy at the normal position versus the interstitial position is influenced by:

a) Electromagnetic forces
b) Gravitational forces
c) Nuclear forces
d) Weak nuclear forces

Answer 1

The energy of atoms in a monatomic crystal at different positions is primarily influenced by the electromagnetic force. The strong nuclear force binds the nucleus together, while the weak nuclear force and gravitational forces are not primary factors at this scale.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a monatomic crystal, the energy at both the normal and interstitial positions is mainly influenced by the electromagnetic force. This force includes both electric and magnetic interactions. Atoms within the crystal are held together by this electromagnetic force, and when an atom is at its interstitial position, it experiences an electrostatic potential due to the surrounding atoms. The strong nuclear force is significant within the nucleus and is responsible for holding the nucleus together, while the weak nuclear force plays a role in certain types of nuclear decays and interactions but is not a primary factor in atomic crystal structures. Lastly, gravitational forces are negligibly small at the atomic scale compared to the other forces.