Question

The weakest force of interaction is
1. electrostatic
2. gravitational
3. nuclear
4. electromagnetic

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : gravitational

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. gravitational

CONCEPT:

Electrostatic Force	The electrostatic force is the force between stationary particles due to their electric charges. The electrostatic force between two charges q and Q separated by a distance r is given by \(F = \frac{KQq}{r^2}\) K is the Coloumb's constant = 9 × 109 N m2 C-2
Gravitational Force	The gravitational force is the force of attraction between objects having mass. The gravitational force between two objects with mass m and M separated by a distance r is given by \(F=\frac{GMm}{r^2}\) G is the gravitational constant = 6.673 × 10-11 N m2 kg-2
Nuclear Force	The force with which the protons and neutrons are held in the nucleus of an atom is called as a nuclear force. The nuclear force is greater than gravitational force as it holds the nucleus in the atom otherwise, the nucleus would fly apart.
Electromagnetic Force	The electromagnetic force is the force experienced by electrically charged particles present in a magnetic field. It is the sum of electric and magnetic force.

EXPLANATION:

• Comparing the formulas of electrostatic force and gravitational force, the constant of proportionality of gravity is smaller compared to Columb's constant. This identifies gravitational force as weaker than the electrostatic force.
• The electromagnetic force is the sum of electric and magnetic force. Since the gravitational force is lesser than the electrostatic force which is also an electric force, it will also be weaker than the electromagnetic force.
• The nuclear force is greater than gravitational force as it holds the nucleus in the atom otherwise, the nucleus would fly apart.
• Hence, the weakest force of interaction among the given options is the gravitational force.