Question

$O_2$ molecule consists of two oxygen atoms. In the molecule, nuclear force between the nuclei of the two atoms

• A. is as important as electrostatic force for binding the two atoms.
  
• B. cancels the repulsive electrostatic force between the nuclei.
  
• C. is not important because oxygen nucleus have equal number of neutrons and protons.
• D. is not important because nuclear forces are short ranged.
  

Answer 1

The correct option is D is not important because nuclear forces are short ranged.


In case of oxygen $\left(O_2\right)$ molecule, the distance between nucleons (proton or neutron) in a nucleus is much smaller than distance between oxygen atoms, so force between the nuclei of two oxygen atoms is not important as nuclear forces are short range forces. Hence, nuclear forces between two nuclei is not effective.

$\text{Final Answer}:$ (a)