Question

Select the correct statement from the following:

• A. Nuclear force is a long range force
• B. Nuclear force is the weakest force in nature
• C. Nuclear force is a non central force
• D. Nuclear force depends on the charge of the nucleons

Hint:

Nuclear force is short-range, strongest, charge-independent, and non-central (depends on spin orientation).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand nature of nuclear force.
Nuclear force is the force that binds nucleons (protons and neutrons) inside the nucleus. It is very strong but acts only over a very short range.

Step 2: Analyze option (A).
Nuclear force is not a long range force; it acts only over distances of the order of \(10^{-15}\,\text{m}\). Hence incorrect.

Step 3: Analyze option (B).
Nuclear force is actually the strongest force among the fundamental forces, not the weakest. Hence incorrect.

Step 4: Analyze option (C).
Nuclear force is a non-central force, meaning it depends not only on distance but also on the relative orientation (spin) of nucleons. This is correct.

Step 5: Analyze option (D).
Nuclear force is independent of charge; it acts equally between proton-proton, neutron-neutron, and proton-neutron pairs. Hence incorrect.

Step 6: Concept clarity.
The non-central nature of nuclear force explains properties like nuclear binding and spin dependence.

Step 7: Final answer.
\[ \boxed{\text{Nuclear force is a non central force}} \]