Strong nuclear force

The strong nuclear force is the fundamental force that holds protons and neutrons together inside an atomic nucleus. It is extremely powerful at very short distances—about the size of a proton or neutron—and overcomes the repulsive electrical force between positively charged protons. This force arises from interactions of particles called quarks and gluons within protons and neutrons, effectively binding them tightly. Without the strong nuclear force, atomic nuclei would instantly break apart, making the existence of matter as we know it impossible. It is one of the four fundamental forces in nature, crucial for the stability of atoms.