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?
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
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. The question asks which statement about the four fundamental forces of nature (gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, strong nuclear force) is not correct.
2. Statement (A) claims Gravity is the strongest of the four. This is incorrect. Gravity is by far the weakest of the four fundamental forces, although it has an infinite range and acts on all mass-energy.
3. Statement (B) claims Electromagnetism acts only on particles with an electric charge. This is correct. The electromagnetic force affects charged particles (like electrons and protons) and is responsible for interactions involving electric and magnetic fields, including holding atoms and molecules together.
4. Statement (C) claims Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity. This is correct. The weak nuclear force is responsible for certain types of particle decay, including beta decay, which is a form of radioactivity.
5. Statement (D) claims Strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom. This is correct. The strong nuclear force is the strongest of the four forces (at short distances) and overcomes the electromagnetic repulsion between positively charged protons to bind protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus.
6. Therefore, the statement that is not correct is (A).