Question

Let F_pp, F_pn and F_nn denote the magnitudes of the nuclear force by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron and by a neutron on a neutron respectively. 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

(b) F_pp = F_pn = F_nn

Protons and neutrons are present inside the nucleus and they exert strong attractive nuclear force on each other. These forces are equal in magnitude, irrespective of the charge present on the nucleons.

∴ F_pp = F_pn = F_nn
Here, F_pp, F_pn and F_nn denote the magnitudes of the nuclear force by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron and by a neutron on a neutron, respectively.