The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz. gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) Gravity is the strongest of the four
(b) Electromagnetism acts only on particles with an electric charge
(c) Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity
(d) Strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
| S.No. | Fundamental Forces | Information |
| 1 | Gravitational Force | · Weakest of the four forces.
· Has an infinite range. · Acts between objects with mass. · Is an attractive force. |
| 2 | Electromagnetic Force | · Weaker than strong nuclear force.
· Acts between electrically charged particles. · Has infinite range. · Can be attractive or repulsive. |
| 3 | Weak Nuclear Force | · Very weak force that causes radioactive decay.
· Governs particle decay. · Has a short range. |
| 4 | Strong Nuclear Force | · Strongest of the four forces.
· Holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom. · Has a short range. |
