Question

Let F_pp, F_pn and F_nn denote the magnitudes of the net force by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron and by a neutron on a neutron respectively. neglect gravitational force. When the separation is 1 fm.
(a) F_pp > F_pn = F_nn
(b) F_pp = F_pn = F_nn
(c) F_pp > F_pn > F_nn
(d) F_pp < F_pn = F_nn

Answer 1

(d) Fpp < Fpn = Fnn

Protons and neutrons are present inside the nucleus and they exert strong attractive nuclear forces on each other, which are equal in magnitude. Due to their positive charge, protons repel each other. Hence the net attractive force between two protons gets reduced, but the nuclear force is stronger than the electrostatic force at a separation of 1 fm.

∴ Fpp < Fpn = Fnn

Here, Fpp, Fpn and Fnn denote the magnitudes of the net force by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron and by a neutron on a neutron, respectively.