Final answer:
The strong force and weak force have important roles inside the atom. The strong force holds protons and neutrons together, while the weak force mediates interactions between elementary particles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Role of the Strong and Weak Forces in Atoms:
In an atom, the strong force and the weak force play crucial roles in the nucleus. The strong force is responsible for holding the protons and neutrons together, overcoming their repulsive electric forces. In contrast, the weak force is involved in radioactive decay and mediates interactions between elementary particles. The strong force is considered strong because it has a significant attractive force at very short distances, while the weak force is weaker, operating at longer distances.
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