Question

The nuclei of most atoms contain multiple protons. Each proton has a positive charge. If objects that have like charges repel each other, why do the protons in the nuclei of most atoms not fly apart?

A) The charges of protons and neutrons cancel each other out.
B) Electrons outside the nucleus push on protons.
C) A strong nuclear force between an atom’s protons and neutrons holds together the atom’s nucleus.
D) Protons experience a more powerful attraction to the negatively charged particles in an atom’s nucleus.

Answer 1

C

Step-by-step explanation:

Like we all know universally, like repels like and attracts unlike. This is one of the basic laws of the universe. Hence, having a mix of several protons in the nucleus, it is expected that they repel each other.

It is one thing to repel each other, it is another thing for the repulsive force to be great enough to cause this pushing out. A counter force called the nuclear force which is most times stronger than the repulsive force is responsible for holding the protons in the nucleus together and prevent them from pushing out.

So what we are saying basically is that, this nuclear force is greater than the force of repulsion between the protons and as such binds them well enough to prevent this perceived pushing out