Question

Nuclear forces are

• A. Strong, short range and charge independent.
• B. Attractive, long range and charge independent.
• C. Strong, attractive and charge dependent.
• D. Strong, short range and repulsive.

Hint:

Key properties of nuclear force: \[ \text{Strong} \] \[ \text{Short Range }(\sim 10^{-15}\,\text{m}) \] \[ \text{Charge Independent} \] \[ \text{Predominantly Attractive} \] These four properties are frequently asked in board and entrance examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Nuclear forces are the forces that bind protons and neutrons (nucleons) inside the nucleus. Their important characteristics are:
• Very strong in nature.
• Short range (effective up to about \(10^{-15}\,\text{m}\)).
• Charge independent.
• Predominantly attractive.

Step 1:Examine the strength of nuclear force. Nuclear forces are much stronger than electromagnetic and gravitational forces at nuclear distances. \[ {\text{Nuclear force is strong.}} \]

Step 2: Examine the range. Nuclear force acts only over very small distances inside the nucleus. \[ {\text{Nuclear force is short ranged.}} \]

Step 3: Examine charge dependence. The force between \[ p-p,\quad n-n,\quad p-n \] is nearly the same after accounting for electromagnetic effects. \[ {\text{Nuclear force is charge independent.}} \]

Step 4: Check the options. Option (A) contains all the correct properties. The remaining options contain incorrect statements regarding range, charge dependence, or nature of force.

Step 5: State the answer. \[ { \text{Nuclear forces are strong, short range and charge independent.} } \] Hence, the correct option is \[ {(A)} \]