Question

Which of the fundamental forces has the shortest range, yet is responsible for producing the sunlight that reaches Earth?

Short answer

Please provide a brief explanation of its role in sunlight production. Answer: The weak nuclear force is the fundamental force with the shortest range and is responsible for producing sunlight. It plays a crucial role in the fusion processes in the Sun's core, where protons are converted into neutrons through weak nuclear interactions. These interactions release high-energy photons that eventually reach Earth as sunlight.

Step-by-step solution

List the four fundamental forces

There are four known fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. Each force has a unique range, strength, and role in the world of physics.

Identify the fundamental force with the shortest range

Among the four fundamental forces, the weak nuclear force has the shortest range. Its range is limited to a distance of around 10^{-18} meters, which is much smaller compared to the ranges of the other three forces.

Explain the role of the weak nuclear force in producing sunlight

The weak nuclear force plays a crucial role in the fusion processes that occur in the core of the Sun. These fusion processes involve protons being converted into neutrons through weak nuclear interactions. As a result of these interactions, high-energy photons are released, which eventually reach Earth as sunlight. Thus, the weak nuclear force is the fundamental force with the shortest range and is responsible for producing the sunlight that reaches Earth.