Question

What is the nuclear force?

Options

• The electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and electrons

• The gravitational attraction between protons and electrons

• The weak repulsive force between neutrons inside the nucleus

• The strong attractive force between nucleons (protons and neutrons) that binds them together inside the nucleus

Answer 1

The nuclear force is defined as the strong attractive force between nucleons (protons and neutrons) that binds them together inside the nucleus. Since protons repel one another electrostatically, this much stronger attractive force is required to hold the nucleus together.