Question

Two nucleons are at a separation of 1 fm. The net force between them is F₁ if both are neutrons, F₂ if both are protons, and F₃ if one is a proton and the other is a neutron. 

(a) F₁ > F₂ > F₃ 

(b) F₂ > F₁ > F₃ 

(c) F₁ = F₃ > F₂ 

(d) F₁ = F₂ > F₃

Answer 1

Correct Answer is: (c) F₁ = F₃ > F₂ 

The attractive nuclear force is the same for any pair of nucleons. Thus, F₁ = F₃ when there are no electrostatic forces.

F₂ = attractive nuclear force – repulsive electrostatic force.