The force that holds protons and neutrons together in a nucleus is
Correct answer: C. the strong nuclear force, which is short ranged and attractive
- A. the electrostatic force
- B. the gravitational force
- C. the strong nuclear force, which is short ranged and attractive
- D. the magnetic force
Explanation
The strong force acts over only a few femtometres but is far stronger than the electrostatic repulsion between protons at that range, which is what keeps the nucleus bound. Because it is so short ranged, very large nuclei become unstable as the repulsion, which has unlimited range, begins to win. Gravity is utterly negligible at nuclear scales.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Composition of Atomic Nuclei
Atomic nuclei contain positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons, collectively called nucleons. Questions use atomic number, mass number and nuclear notation to identify isotopes, isobars and isotones, and may connect nuclear composition with nuclear charge, mass defect, binding energy and the stability of the nucleus.
Practise Nuclear Physics
1,254 free Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Composition of Atomic Nuclei questions
The number of neutrons in a nucleus of uranium 235, atomic number 92, is
Isotopes of an element have the same
Nuclear fission is the process in which
In a nuclear reactor, the moderator is used to
The energy released in a nuclear reaction comes from
The binding energy per nucleon is greatest for nuclei near