Prelims › Past Papers
Q95·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2014

Four 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

Option (a) is incorrect. Gravity is actually the weakest of the four fundamental forces, not the strongest. In fact, the strong nuclear force is the strongest, followed by electromagnetism, then the weak nuclear force, with gravity being the weakest. Option (b) is correct: electromagnetism acts on charged particles. Option (c) is correct: the weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive decay and beta decay. Option (d) is correct: the strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus, overcoming the electromagnetic repulsion between protons. The question asks which statement is NOT correct, making (a) the right answer. > Fundamental Forces Ranking: In decreasing order of strength: Strong Nuclear Force > Electromagnetism > Weak Nuclear Force > Gravity. Gravity is the weakest, not strongest. Answer: (a).

Question details

Year

2014

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q95

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Physics - Fundamental Forces

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Hard

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT Physics - Fundamental Forces

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