Question

Two protons are kept at a separation of $10 \,nm$. Let $F_n$ and $F_e$ the nuclear force and the electromagnetic force between them

• A. $F_e = F_n$
• B. $F_e >> F_n$
• C. $F_e << F_n$
• D. $F_e$ and $ F_n$ differ only slightly

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Nuclear forces are short range force existing in the range of a $10^{-15} m$.
If the separation between the particles is greater than $10^{-15} m$,
nuclear force is negligible.
Therefore, at a separation of $10 \,nm$,
the electromagnetic force is greater than the nuclear force.
Hence, $F _{ e } > > F _{ n }$