Which term describes the force that keeps the nucleus bound together?

Which term describes the force that keeps the nucleus bound together?

• A. Centripetal force
• B. Nuclear forces
• C. Tension
• D. Normal force

Answer: (B)

Inside the nucleus, protons and neutrons are held together by the nuclear force, also called the strong nuclear force. This interaction acts at extremely short distances and is powerful enough to overcome the electric repulsion between positively charged protons, keeping the nucleus intact. The term nuclear forces properly describes these interactions that bind nucleons together, leading to the binding energy that holds the nucleus together. Centripetal force is not a distinct binding force within the nucleus; it describes the inward pull required for circular motion. Tension is the pulling force in a string or rope, and normal force is the contact force from a surface. None of those describe the forces binding nucleons in the nucleus.

Inside the nucleus, protons and neutrons are held together by the nuclear force, also called the strong nuclear force. This interaction acts at extremely short distances and is powerful enough to overcome the electric repulsion between positively charged protons, keeping the nucleus intact. The term nuclear forces properly describes these interactions that bind nucleons together, leading to the binding energy that holds the nucleus together.

Centripetal force is not a distinct binding force within the nucleus; it describes the inward pull required for circular motion. Tension is the pulling force in a string or rope, and normal force is the contact force from a surface. None of those describe the forces binding nucleons in the nucleus.