Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsThe Forces
Identify the correct statements:
Options
- AThe electromagnetic force between a pair of protons may be greater than the nuclear force between them.
- BThe gravitational force between a pair of protons may be greater than the nuclear force between them.
- CThe electromagnetic force between a pair of protons is always greater than the gravitational force between the
- DThe nuclear force between a pair of protons is always greater than the electromagnetic force between them.
Correct answer
C. The electromagnetic force between a pair of protons is always greater than the gravitational force between the
Step-by-step solution
The nuclear force is a short-range force, effective only over distances of the order of a few femtometers ( 10⁻¹⁵ m). Beyond this range, it decreases exponentially and becomes negligible. The electromagnetic and gravitational forces are long-range forces, both following the inverse-square law ( 1/r^2 ). At large distances, the nuclear force is practically zero, while both electromagnetic and gravitational forces are non-zero. Therefore, at such distances, both the electromagnetic force and the gravitational force b