What evidence supports the contention that the strong nuclear force is stronger than the electrical interaction at short inter-nuclear distances?
A)Protons are able to exist side-by-side within an atomic nucleus.
B)Neutrons spontaneously decay into protons and electrons.
C)Uranium deposits are always slightly warmer than their immediate surroundings.
D)The radio interference that arises adjacent to any radioactive source.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Protons, which bear positive electrical charges, are able to exist side-by-side within an atomic nucleus, implying a strong force holding them together. If the electrical interaction were the dominant force, the like-positive charges would repel each other and the nucleus would not be stable. This suggests that the strong nuclear force is stronger than the electrical interaction at short inter-nuclear distances.

Answer: B
 Neutrons are electrically neutral and their decay into protons and electrons is mediated by the weak nuclear force, which is weaker than both the strong nuclear force and the electrical interaction. The fact that neutrons can decay into charged particles, such as protons and electrons, suggests that the strong nuclear force dominates at short inter-nuclear distances, where the decay occurs.

Answers C and D are not related to the interaction between the strong nuclear force and the electrical interaction at short inter-nuclear distances, and are therefore incorrect.

What Evidence Supports the Contention That the Strong Nuclear Force