UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 45 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Fundamental Forces Gravity

The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz., gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force.
With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. Gravity is the strongest of the four
  2. Electromagnetism acts only on particles with an electric charge
  3. Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity
  4. Strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom
Show answer

Answer: A. Gravity is the strongest of the four

Gravity is actually the weakest among the four fundamental forces of nature, not the strongest. Electromagnetic force acts only on electrically charged particles. Weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive decay processes such as beta decay. Strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons together inside the atomic nucleus. Therefore, the incorrect statement is that gravity is the strongest force. Extra Point: Although gravity is the weakest force at atomic scales, it dominates at astronomical scales because it always attracts and acts over very large distances.

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