* Electromagnetic force: This is the primary force responsible for the formation of atoms. Protons, located in the nucleus, carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge. Opposite charges attract each other, resulting in an electrostatic attraction between protons and electrons. This attraction holds the electrons in orbit around the nucleus, forming the atom.

* Strong nuclear force: This force acts within the nucleus, holding the protons together. Protons are positively charged and would naturally repel each other due to the electromagnetic force. However, the strong nuclear force is much stronger than the electromagnetic force at very short distances, overcoming the repulsion and binding the protons together. This force also binds neutrons to the nucleus, which are neutral in charge.

Let's break down how these forces work:

* Electromagnetic force: This force acts over long distances and is responsible for many familiar phenomena like magnetism and electricity. In the context of atoms, the force of attraction between protons and electrons is strong enough to hold the electrons in orbit, creating a stable configuration.

* Strong nuclear force: This force is short-range and only acts within the nucleus. It's responsible for the stability of the nucleus. Without this force, protons would repel each other and the nucleus would disintegrate.

In summary, the electromagnetic force is responsible for the attraction between the positively charged protons and the negatively charged electrons, while the strong nuclear force is responsible for holding the protons together within the nucleus. These two forces are crucial for the formation and stability of atoms.