Which force is primarily responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Electrostatic force
• C. Strong nuclear force
• D. Weak nuclear force

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, which are collectively called nucleons.
2. Recall that protons are positively charged and thus repel each other due to the electrostatic (Coulomb) force.
3. Recognize that gravitational force is extremely weak at the scale of subatomic particles and cannot hold the nucleus together.
4. Identify that the weak nuclear force is involved in certain types of radioactive decay but does not hold the nucleus together.
5. Conclude that the strong nuclear force is the fundamental force responsible for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between protons and binding protons and neutrons tightly together in the nucleus.