How Can Atoms Be Split Despite the Strong Force's Attraction?

[madhatter106]

If the strong force is what is used to describe the attraction in the atomic nucleus, how is it possible to split atoms without them constantly re-pairing? a free charge doesn't seem like it would exist due to the strong force. I'm missing something right?

 

[bcrowell]

The electrical repulsion keeps them apart.

 

[Arsenic&Lace]

The strong force "decays" more quickly than the EM force. So, at a certain distance, the EM force will be greater than the strong force, no?

 

[beefsupreme]

seen strong force vs em force graph...