Question

The \(\ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots\) force is the strongest of all fundamental forces. (a) nuclear (b) Electromagnetic (c) Gravitational (d) Weak nuclear

Short answer

The strongest of all fundamental forces is the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for binding protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus. In the given options, the closest match to the strong nuclear force is (a) Nuclear. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Nuclear.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the given options

We are given four choices, which are the fundamental forces in nature: (a) nuclear (b) Electromagnetic (c) Gravitational (d) Weak nuclear It is important to understand what each force does before identifying the strongest one.

Recall the properties and roles of fundamental forces

(a) Nuclear: It is actually called the "strong nuclear force". This force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus. (b) Electromagnetic: This force is responsible for the interactions between charged particles. It includes electric and magnetic forces. (c) Gravitational: This force is responsible for the attraction between massive objects. It is the force that governs the larger scale structure of the universe, like the motion of planets and stars. (d) Weak nuclear: This force is responsible for certain types of nuclear interactions, like beta decay. It is weaker than the strong nuclear force but stronger than gravitational force.

Compare the strengths of fundamental forces

Now that we understand the properties and roles of each fundamental force, we can compare their strengths. The order of the strengths of these forces from strongest to weakest is: 1. Strong nuclear force 2. Electromagnetic force 3. Weak nuclear force 4. Gravitational force

Identify the strongest force from the given options

From the comparison in Step 3, it is clear that the strongest of all fundamental forces is the strong nuclear force. In the given options, the closest match to the strong nuclear force is (a) Nuclear. So the correct answer is: (a) Nuclear

Key concepts

Strong Nuclear Force

The strong nuclear force is the mightiest of the fundamental forces in nature. It acts like an invisible glue, holding together protons and neutrons within the core of an atom, also known as the nucleus. Without this force, atomic nuclei would not exist, and the matter as we know it would fall apart.
This force operates over incredibly short distances, approximately within the range of a single nucleus size. Despite its short range, it is immensely powerful. It significantly surpasses the electromagnetic force in strength, making it the most formidable force of all
in the atomic realm. The strong nuclear force is fundamentally essential for the stability of matter.

Electromagnetic Force

The electromagnetic force governs the interactions between charged particles. This includes both electric and magnetic phenomena. When you see a spark of electricity or when you use a magnet, you are experiencing the electromagnetic force.
This force is also responsible for keeping electrons in orbit around the nucleus. It plays a key role in chemical reactions, as it allows atoms to bond together to form molecules.
Unlike the strong nuclear force, the electromagnetic force has an infinite range. However, its strength diminishes with distance. Despite being weaker than the strong nuclear force, it is far more influential in our everyday world, involving anything from electricity in our homes to the signals in our cell phones.

Gravitational Force

Gravitational force is perhaps the force we are most familiar with in daily life. It's the force that causes objects to fall to the ground and governs the motion of planets and stars.
Despite its familiarity, gravity is actually the weakest of the four fundamental forces. Its strength is much less compared to other forces, but it has an infinite range.
The reason gravity is so influential on a larger scale, like in astronomical contexts, is due to the massive amounts of mass involved. It acts between any two pieces of matter in the universe, so even though it's weak, it keeps planets in orbit and shapes the universe over cosmic distances.

Weak Nuclear Force

Despite its name, the weak nuclear force is crucial for the processes that sustain life. It is responsible for radioactive decay, a process that helps power the sun.
This force operates at a range even shorter than the strong nuclear force and primarily influences certain nuclear interactions, such as beta decay. During beta decay, a neutron can transform into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino due to the weak nuclear force.

• Beta decay plays an important role in nuclear reactions that occur in stars.
• It also affects the Earth’s natural radioactivity, helping to create heat in planets and facilitating certain chemical changes.

Although not as mighty as the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force is indispensable to the universe's functionality and structure.