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Which set of particles experience stronger attraction and explain why?

1) Protons and electrons, because they have opposite charges
2) Neutrons and protons, because they are located in the nucleus
3) Electrons and neutrons, because they have similar masses
4) Protons and neutrons, because they have similar charges

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Protons and electrons experience the strongest attraction due to their opposite electrical charges, which is governed by the laws of electromagnetism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The set of particles that experience the strongest attraction are protons and electrons, due to their opposite electrical charges. According to the principles of electromagnetism, particles with opposite charges attract each other with a force inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This is what keeps the negatively charged electrons in orbit around the positively charged nucleus. In contrast, protons and neutrons are attracted by the strong nuclear force, which is a different type of force that acts only over very short distances within the nucleus and is indeed much stronger than the electromagnetic force. Thus, the electromagnetic force between protons and electrons is the primary reason for the attraction between these particles, rather than the mass or similar charge they possess.

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