Two protons are positioned at a separation of 10 nm . Let F_n and F_e denote the nuclear force and the electromagnetic force between them, respectively. Which of the following is true?

Step-by-step solution

The nuclear force is a short-range force, effective only up to distances of the order of a few femtometers ( 1 fm = 10⁻¹⁵ m ). The given separation between the protons is 10 nm = 10 10⁻⁹ m = 10⁻⁸ m . At this distance, the nuclear force F_n is negligibly small and practically zero. The electromagnetic force F_e is a long-range force and varies as 1 r^2 . At 10 nm , it has a finite, non-zero value. Therefore, at a separation of 10 nm , F_e F_n .