Final answer:
The strong nuclear force is an essential force that holds the nucleus of an atom together by binding protons and neutrons. It operates over incredibly short distances inside the nucleus and is not associated with electrons or the electron cloud.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strong nuclear force is a fundamental force in physics that plays an essential role in the stability of atomic nuclei. It exists within the nucleus, acting between protons, neutrons, and between protons and neutrons to hold these nucleons together. Overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, the strong nuclear force acts at very short ranges (less than 10-15 meters) and is responsible for binding protons and neutrons to each other to form nuclei. The strong nuclear force is not associated with electrons, nor does it exist in the electron cloud or only in molecules. Instead, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of atoms by ensuring that their nuclei do not fly apart due to the repulsive forces between protons. The strong nuclear force is approximately 100 times stronger than electromagnetic forces at the scale of nucleons but rapidly decreases over larger distances, becoming negligible outside of the nucleus.