What is known as the strongest known force, holding together protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus?

The strongest known force that holds protons and neutrons together in an atom's nucleus is the nuclear force, also referred to as the strong nuclear force. This fundamental interaction is responsible for overcoming the electromagnetic repulsion between the positively charged protons, allowing them to remain close together within the nucleus. The nuclear force operates over very short distances, typically on the order of 1 femtometer (10^-15 meters), and is much stronger than the electromagnetic force at these scales.

The nuclear force is mediated by particles called gluons, which bind quarks (the building blocks of protons and neutrons) together within these particles. This force is crucial for the stability of atomic nuclei, enabling elements to exist without spontaneously disintegrating. Without the nuclear force, atomic nuclei would not be able to maintain their integrity, resulting in a universe that could not form as we know it.

In contrast, the electromagnetic force governs interactions between charged particles but is weaker than the nuclear force at the scale of the atomic nucleus. The gravitational force, while it governs the motion of celestial bodies and has a significant influence at larger scales, is also weaker than the nuclear force when considering interactions at the level of particles. Frictional force, related to motion and contact