Final answer:
The weak force is the short-range force responsible for certain nuclear reactions and radioactive decays, weaker than the strong and electromagnetic forces but stronger than gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The short-range force weaker than both electromagnetism and the strong force but much stronger than gravity, responsible for certain nuclear reactions and radioactive decays, is the weak force. The weak force is essential for processes such as beta decay, a type of nuclear decay that is not explained by the strong force or electromagnetism. When comparing strengths, the weak nuclear force is approximately 10-6 the strength of the strong nuclear force. Relative to electromagnetic force, the weak force is still weaker but significantly stronger than gravity, which is the weakest of the four fundamental forces.
Both the weak and strong nuclear forces operate over extremely short distances, on the order of 10-15 m, typically the size of an atomic nucleus. The weak force is involved in radioactive decays and is much stronger than the gravitational force, which has a negligible effect on the scale of atomic particles. Understanding these forces is critical to our comprehension of the atomic world and the various reactions and processes that occur within it.