Among the four forces, which has the shortest range?
A) Strong nuclear force
B) Electromagnetic force
C) Weak nuclear force
D) Gravitational force
Answer
301.2k+ views
Hint: The four options given in the statement are the four fundamental forces of nature. We will use the properties of these forces for each of the options to determine the force with the shortest range.
Complete step by step answer:
The forces mentioned in the options are the four fundamental forces of nature. They govern all the physical objects that we see around us and in the universe.
The weak nuclear is responsible for the radioactivity of compounds. The effective range of the weak force is limited to subatomic distances, and the range of this force is less than the diameter of a proton. However, it does not have the shortest range.
The gravitational force has a significant contribution in attracting objects that have mass to each other. It has an infinite long range. Hence it is not the correct choice.
The electromagnetic force, also called the Lorentz force, acts between charged particles, like negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons. This force can be felt from an infinite distance though it is significantly weaker than the gravitational force.
The strong nuclear force, also called the strong nuclear interaction, is the strongest of the four fundamental forces of nature. The strong force is responsible for keeping together protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. Hence the range of the strong force is the smallest as if a proton or a neutron leaves the nucleus the strong force will not act on it.
So, the correct choice is option (A).
Note: We should know that the strong force is responsible for binding the nucleus of an atom which is the smallest cluster of particles we know. The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons together while the weak nuclear force is responsible for the radioactive decay of those particles.
Complete step by step answer:
The forces mentioned in the options are the four fundamental forces of nature. They govern all the physical objects that we see around us and in the universe.
The weak nuclear is responsible for the radioactivity of compounds. The effective range of the weak force is limited to subatomic distances, and the range of this force is less than the diameter of a proton. However, it does not have the shortest range.
The gravitational force has a significant contribution in attracting objects that have mass to each other. It has an infinite long range. Hence it is not the correct choice.
The electromagnetic force, also called the Lorentz force, acts between charged particles, like negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons. This force can be felt from an infinite distance though it is significantly weaker than the gravitational force.
The strong nuclear force, also called the strong nuclear interaction, is the strongest of the four fundamental forces of nature. The strong force is responsible for keeping together protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. Hence the range of the strong force is the smallest as if a proton or a neutron leaves the nucleus the strong force will not act on it.
So, the correct choice is option (A).
Note: We should know that the strong force is responsible for binding the nucleus of an atom which is the smallest cluster of particles we know. The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons together while the weak nuclear force is responsible for the radioactive decay of those particles.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion In A Plane - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

