Which of the following basic forces of nature is responsible for the stability of a nucleus?
Correct answer: D. Strong nuclear force
- A. Magnetic force
- B. Gravitational force
- C. Weak nuclear force
- D. Strong nuclear force
Explanation
The correct answer is the strong nuclear force. It is the strongest of the four fundamental forces and acts between nucleons (protons and neutrons) to bind them together, overcoming the electromagnetic repulsion between protons. This force operates at very short ranges, typically within the nucleus. The magnetic force affects charged particles but is not responsible for nuclear stability. The gravitational force is much weaker compared to other forces at the atomic scale and does not contribute to nuclear stability. The weak nuclear force is involved in processes like beta decay but does not provide the binding energy necessary for nuclear stability.
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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.
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