Concept:
The nucleus contains positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons. Since protons repel each other due to electrostatic force, a much stronger attractive force is required to keep the nucleus stable.
This force is known as the strong nuclear force.
Step 1: Understanding the forces inside the nucleus.
Inside the nucleus, protons experience electrostatic repulsion because they carry positive charge.
According to Coulomb's law,
\[
F \propto \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}
\]
Thus, protons tend to push one another apart.
Step 2: Role of strong nuclear force.
The strong nuclear force acts between nucleons (protons and neutrons).
Its important characteristics are:
• Extremely strong force.
• Attractive in nature.
• Acts only over very short distances.
• Overcomes electrostatic repulsion between protons.
Step 3: Eliminating incorrect options.
• Gravitational force is too weak at nuclear level.
• Electromagnetic force causes repulsion among protons.
• Weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive decay.
Therefore, nuclear stability is due to the strong nuclear force.