Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect with reference to 'Nuclear force'?

• A. Nuclear force is always attractive
• B. Potential energy is minimum if the separation between the nucleons is 0.8 fm
• C. Nuclear force becomes attractive for nucleon distances larger than 0.8 fm
• D. Nuclear force becomes repulsive for nucleon distances less than 0.8 fm

Hint:

Remember, nuclear forces are attractive at distances greater than 0.8 fm, and repulsive at distances smaller than 0.8 fm.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The nuclear force between nucleons is attractive at short distances, typically less than about 0.8 fm (femtometers), and it becomes repulsive at very short distances. This is because at distances smaller than 0.8 fm, the nuclear force overcomes the attraction, causing a repulsive effect. So, the statement "Nuclear force becomes attractive for nucleon distances larger than 0.8 fm" is incorrect. In reality, the nuclear force becomes repulsive at distances smaller than 0.8 fm and remains attractive only at short ranges. Thus, the correct answer is option (3).