Consider F_ pp , F_ pn , and F_ nn as the magnitudes of the net force exerted by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron, and by a neutron on a neutron, respectively. Disregarding gravitational force, at a separation of 1 fm ,

Step-by-step solution

At a separation of 1 fm , the strong nuclear force between nucleons is attractive. The strong nuclear force is charge-independent, meaning the magnitude of the nuclear force between any pair of nucleons is the same. Let this force be F_N . For a proton-neutron pair and a neutron-neutron pair, the electrostatic force is zero. Thus, the net force is entirely due to the strong nuclear force: F_ pn = F_ nn = F_N For a proton-proton pair, in addition to the attractive strong nuclear force, there is a repulsive electrost