Q. Two nucleons are at a separation of 1 fm. The net force between them is $F_{1}$if both neutrons, $F_{2}$ if both are protons, and $F_{3}$ if one is a proton and the other is a neutron.
A) $F_{1} > F_{2} > F_{3}$
B) $F_{2} > F_{1} > F_{3}$
C) $F_{1} = F_{3} > F_{2}$
D) $F_{1} = F_{2} > F_{3}$
Explanation
(c) Nuclear force of attraction between any two nucleons $(n - n,\ p - p;\ p - n)$ is same. The difference comes up only due to electrostatic force of repulsion between two protons.
$\therefore\ F_{1} = F_{3} \neq F_{2}$. As $F_{2} < F_{3} > F_{1}$
$\therefore\ F_{1} = F_{3} > F_{2}$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.