Which fundamental force is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus?
AGravity
BElectromagnetism
CStrong nuclear force
DWeak nuclear force
Explanation
📌 The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons in the nucleus. It operates only at very short range (~10⁻¹⁵ m) but is the strongest of the four fundamental forces at that range. Distractor A: gravity is far too weak at nuclear scales; B: electromagnetism would repel like-charged protons apart; D: weak force governs certain decays but does not bind the nucleus.