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

The Correct Option is B

At a separation of 10 nm, the electromagnetic force \( F_e \) between two protons is much larger than the nuclear force \( F_n \). The nuclear force is short-range and is effective only at distances on the order of femtometers (fm), typically around \( 10^{-15} \) meters, while the electromagnetic force acts over much larger distances. At 10 nm (\( 10^{-8} \) meters), the electromagnetic force between the protons is much stronger than the nuclear force, so \( F_e \gg F_n \).

The correct answer is (B) : F_e >> F_n.