1. Strong nuclear force: This is the strongest force in the universe, responsible for holding protons and neutrons together within the nucleus. It acts over very short distances, essentially only within the nucleus.
2. Electromagnetic force: Protons are positively charged particles, and like charges repel each other. This repulsive force due to the electromagnetic interaction would normally cause the protons to fly apart. However, the strong nuclear force is stronger than the electromagnetic force at these short distances, keeping the nucleus stable.
These forces are constantly in opposition within the nucleus. The strong nuclear force acts to bind the protons and neutrons, while the electromagnetic force pushes the protons apart. The balance between these two forces is what determines the stability of the nucleus.
