Question

Which statement best describes the difference between strong nuclear forces and weak nuclear forces?

a) Weak nuclear forces hold protons and neutrons together; strong nuclear forces hold electrons in their shells.
b) Strong nuclear forces are responsible for holding electrons in bonds; weak nuclear forces are involved when the bonds break.
c) Weak nuclear forces hold the atoms' nucleus together; strong nuclear forces tear them apart.
d) Strong nuclear forces are responsible for holding together the nucleus of an atom; weak nuclear forces are involved when certain types of atoms break down.

Answer 1

The correct answer is d. Nuclear forces are necessary for an atom to exist, so the weaker they are the atom has not a good structure ( for example breaking down)

Answer 2

There are four types of fundamental forces in nature.These are named as gravitational force,electromagnetic force,strong nuclear force and weak nuclear force.

As per the question we have to understand the role of strong nuclear force and weak nuclear force.

An atom consists of a nucleus surrounded by extra nuclear part consisting of electrons in various orbits.The nucleus contains two basic particles called protons and neutrons .Protons are positively charged while neutrons are neutral.Protons being positively charged will impart repulsive force on each other and may come out of the nucleus.But the nucleus is stable.That is due to the strong nuclear force.

Strong nuclear force is a spin dependent and charge independent force which comes into existence due to the mutual interaction of gluons which binds the protons and neutrons .Hence it is attractive in nature.It's 100 times more stronger than electromagnetic force also.

Weak nuclear force comes into existence during radio -active decay .This force is due to the exchange of ' w' and 'z' bosons[the particles like protons and neutrons having integral or zero spin] which are heavier in nature.The role of it is to change protons into neutrons and vice versa.Its a short range force.

Hence the option D is right.