Write a note on strong and weak nuclear force.

1. Strong nuclear force: The strong force which binds protons and neutrons (nucleons) together in the nucleus of an atom is called strong nuclear force.

Characteristics of strong nuclear force:

• It is a very strong attractive force.
• It is a short range force of the order of 10^-14 m.
• it is charge independent.

2. Weak nuclear force: The force of interaction between subatomic particles which results in the radioactive decay of atoms is called weak nuclear force.

Characteristics of weak nuclear force:

• It acts between any two elementary particles (pair of subatomic particles).
• It is a stronger force than gravitational force.
• It is much weaker than electromagnetic force or strong nuclear force.
• It is a short range force of the order of 10^-16 m.