Four Fundamental Forces

Arrange the fundamental forces in order of increasing strength.

• Gravity, Electromagnetic, Weak Nuclear, Strong Nuclear

• Gravity, Weak Nuclear, Electromagnetic, Strong Nuclear

• Strong Nuclear, Electromagnetic, Weak Nuclear, Gravity

• Electromagnetic, Gravity, Strong Nuclear, Weak Nuclear

Answer explanation

The correct order of fundamental forces from weakest to strongest is: Gravity, Weak Nuclear, Electromagnetic, Strong Nuclear. Gravity is the weakest, while Strong Nuclear is the strongest force.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe a scenario where the weak nuclear force plays a crucial role.

• In the fusion reactions in the sun

• In the operation of a magnet

• In the gravitational pull of the Earth

• In the decay of a neutron into a proton, electron, and antineutrino

Answer explanation

The weak nuclear force is essential in the decay of a neutron into a proton, electron, and antineutrino, as it governs the process of beta decay, a key mechanism in nuclear reactions and particle interactions.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify an application of the strong nuclear force.

• The operation of a compass

• The binding of protons and neutrons in the nucleus

• The gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Moon

• The decay of radioactive isotopes

Answer explanation

The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom, overcoming the repulsive electromagnetic force between positively charged protons.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes the electromagnetic force?

• It acts only over very short distances.

• It is responsible for the attraction and repulsion between charged particles.

• It is weaker than the gravitational force.

• It only affects neutral particles.

Answer explanation

The electromagnetic force is responsible for the attraction and repulsion between charged particles, making it fundamental in interactions like electricity and magnetism. The other options are incorrect.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the primary difference between the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force?

• The strong nuclear force acts over longer distances than the weak nuclear force.

• The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding the nucleus together, while the weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive decay.

• The weak nuclear force is stronger than the strong nuclear force.

• The weak nuclear force acts on electrons, while the strong nuclear force acts on protons.

Answer explanation

The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the weak nuclear force is responsible for processes like beta decay, making the correct choice highlight their distinct roles in nuclear interactions.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following statements is true about the weak nuclear force?

• It is stronger than the electromagnetic force.

• It acts over longer distances than the strong nuclear force.

• It is responsible for processes like beta decay.

• It is the force that holds the nucleus together.

Answer explanation

The weak nuclear force is responsible for processes like beta decay, where a neutron transforms into a proton, emitting a beta particle. This distinguishes it from the strong force, which holds the nucleus together.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes the gravitational force?

• It is the strongest of the four fundamental forces.

• It acts only on charged particles.

• It is always attractive and acts between masses.

• It is responsible for holding the nucleus together.

Answer explanation

The gravitational force is always attractive and acts between masses, unlike other forces. It is not the strongest force, does not act only on charged particles, and is not responsible for holding the nucleus together.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain why the electromagnetic force is stronger than the gravitational force at the atomic level.

• Because the electromagnetic force acts over longer distances.

• Because the gravitational force only affects large masses.

• Because the electromagnetic force is responsible for the interactions between charged particles, which are much stronger than the gravitational interactions between small masses.

• Because the gravitational force is repulsive at the atomic level.

Answer explanation

The electromagnetic force is much stronger than gravity at the atomic level because it governs interactions between charged particles, which are significantly more powerful than the weak gravitational forces acting on small masses.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following is an example of the strong nuclear force in action?

• The attraction between a magnet and a piece of iron

• The binding of protons and neutrons in the nucleus

• The orbit of the Earth around the Sun

• The decay of a neutron into a proton, electron, and antineutrino

Answer explanation

The binding of protons and neutrons in the nucleus is a direct example of the strong nuclear force, which holds these particles together, overcoming their electromagnetic repulsion.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Compare the range of the strong nuclear force to that of the gravitational force.

• The strong nuclear force acts over much longer distances than the gravitational force.

• The strong nuclear force acts over very short distances, while the gravitational force acts over infinite distances.

• Both forces act over similar distances.

• The gravitational force acts only within the nucleus, while the strong nuclear force acts over planetary distances.

Answer explanation

The strong nuclear force operates at very short ranges, typically on the order of femtometers, while the gravitational force has an infinite range, acting over all distances, including cosmic scales.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept