A Level Physics Practice Exam

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Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which of the following best describes the strong nuclear force?

Weak and long-range
Strong and long-range
Weak and short-range
Strong and short-range

The correct answer is: Strong and short-range

The strong nuclear force is best described as strong and short-range because it is the fundamental force that holds protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus. This force is characterized by its significant strength, which is essential for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons. The strength of the strong nuclear force allows it to effectively bind nucleons (protons and neutrons) together even at very close distances. However, the strong nuclear force is also short-range, acting over distances of about 1 femtometer (10^-15 meters). Beyond this range, its strength rapidly diminishes, which is why it is ineffective at holding together nucleons that are farther apart. Consequently, while the weak nuclear force exhibits its effects over longer distances but is less potent, the strong nuclear force operates effectively only at very short ranges, making it an essential aspect of understanding nuclear stability and reactions.