Question

Two protons are kept at a separation of 10 nm. Let F_n and F_e be the nuclear force and the electromagnetic force between them.
(a) F_e = F_n
(b) F_e >> F_n
(c) F_e << F_n
(d) F_e and F_n differ only slightly.

Answer 1

(b) F_e >> F_n

Two protons exert strong attractive nuclear force and repulsive electrostatic force on each other. Nuclear forces are short range forces existing in the range of a few fms. Therefore, at a separation of 10 nm, the electromagnetic force is greater than the nuclear force, i.e. F_e >> F_n.