Concept: Nature of nuclear force
Nuclear force is the force that binds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus.
Step 1: Range of force
Nuclear force acts only over very small distances of the order of:
\[
\sim 1 \text{ fm} = 10^{-15} \text{ m}
\]
Step 2: Behaviour with distance
- Strongly attractive at short distances
- Becomes negligible beyond a few femtometers
Step 3: Conclusion
Unlike gravitational or electrostatic forces, nuclear force does not act over large distances.
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{Nuclear force is not long range (it is short range)}}
\]
Note:
This short-range nature is why nuclear forces act only within the nucleus.