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Q95·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2013

Fundamental Forces of Nature

S&TPhysics - Fundamental ForcesFactual singleHardStatic

Question

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?

Options

a

Gravity is the strongest of the four

Answer
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

Explanation

Statement (a) is incorrect. Gravity is NOT the strongest of the four forces - in fact, it is the weakest. The strong nuclear force is the strongest, followed by electromagnetism, then the weak nuclear force, with gravity being the weakest. This is a fundamental principle in particle physics. Statement (b) is correct - electromagnetism acts on electrically charged particles. Statement (c) is correct - the weak nuclear force is responsible for beta decay and radioactivity. Statement (d) is correct - the strong nuclear force binds nucleons together. > The strength order of fundamental forces is: Strong > Electromagnetic > Weak > Gravity. Gravity is the weakest force, not the strongest. Answer: (a).

Question details

Year

2013

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q95

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Physics - Fundamental Forces

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Hard

Nature

Static

Source hint

Physics - Nuclear and Particle Physics

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