Question

Inspite of mutual repulsion between the protons and no electric force between neutrons, a number of protons and neutrons do stay together to form stable nuclei. Which of the following are reasons for this?
$1$. Another type of force, called nuclear force works between these particles when they are very close to each other
$2$. The neutrons keep the protons apart so that there is no repulsion between them
$3$. The nuclear force is always attractive and does not depend on the charge of the particles
Select the correct answer from the codes given.

• A. $2$ and $3$ only
• B. $1$ and $2$ only
• C. $1,2$ and $3$
• D. $1$ and $3$ only

Answer 1

The correct option is D $1$ and $3$ only

Nuclear force is the strongest force currently known and acts when the distance between particles is of the fermi order. Irrespective of the charge of the particles it is always attractive in nature. Hence 1. and 3. are the true reasons for the existence of a stable nuclei.