Question

Write any two features of nuclear forces.

Hint:

Remember: Nuclear forces are strong, short-range, and saturating. Writing any two standard properties is sufficient for full marks.

Answer 1

Concept: Nuclear forces are the forces that bind protons and neutrons (nucleons) inside the atomic nucleus. They are very different from gravitational and electromagnetic forces. Any two features of nuclear forces:

Short range: Nuclear forces act only over very small distances (\( \sim 1\text{–}2 \, \text{fm} \)). Beyond a few femtometres, they become negligible.
Very strong in nature: They are the strongest known forces in nature at short distances, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between protons.
Other valid features (any two acceptable in exams):

Charge independent (similar for p–p, n–n, p–n interactions)
Saturation property (each nucleon interacts only with nearby nucleons)
Attractive at intermediate range and repulsive at very short distances