Question:

If the nuclear force between a proton and a neutron is attractive, then the distance between them can be:

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Remember the important value $0.8\text{ fm}$. Below this distance the nuclear force is strongly repulsive, while beyond it (up to a few femtometres) the force becomes attractive.
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • $0.12\text{ fm}$
  • $10^{-3}\text{ fm}$
  • $1.1\text{ fm}$
  • $0.3\text{ fm}$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The nuclear force is a short-range force acting between nucleons (protons and neutrons). Its nature depends strongly on the separation between the nucleons.

• For very small separations ($r \lesssim 0.8\text{ fm}$), the nuclear force becomes strongly repulsive.

• For separations roughly between $0.8\text{ fm}$ and $3\text{ fm}$, the nuclear force is attractive.

• Beyond a few femtometres, the nuclear force becomes negligible.

Step 1: Examine each given distance The force will be attractive only if the separation lies in the attractive region. \[ 0.12\text{ fm} < 0.8\text{ fm} \] Hence, this lies in the repulsive region. \[ 10^{-3}\text{ fm}=0.001\text{ fm}<0.8\text{ fm} \] This also lies in the repulsive region. \[ 1.1\text{ fm}>0.8\text{ fm} \] This lies in the attractive region. \[ 0.3\text{ fm}<0.8\text{ fm} \] This again lies in the repulsive region.

Step 2: Select the correct option Among all the given distances, only \[ 1.1\text{ fm} \] lies in the range where the nuclear force is attractive. Hence, the correct answer is \[ \boxed{1.1\text{ fm}} \]
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