Question

Why are strong forces able to hold atomic nuclei together?

A. Strong forces increase the mass of neutrons.
B. Strong forces act only between protons at long distances.
C. Strong forces overcome electrostatic repulsion among protons.
D. Strong forces act at short distances between electrons and protons.

Answer 1

The strong force is responsible for binding the quarks and gluons into protons and neutrons. so the nucleus of an atom is held together by the strong force, while electrons are held in the atom by the electric force.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is known that nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged whereas neutrons have no charge.

Since, like charges of protons repel each other due to which an electrostatic force of repulsion arises in the nucleus. There is also another force present inside the nucleus of an atom which helps in binding of both protons and neutrons together and this force is known as nuclear binding energy.

This nuclear binding energy overcomes the electrostatic force of repulsion due to which the molecule remains stable.

Thus, we can conclude that strong forces are able to hold atomic nuclei together because strong forces overcome electrostatic repulsion among protons.