Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Prepare for the CLEP Natural Science Exam with our comprehensive study materials and practice questions. Test your knowledge and ace the exam by mastering key concepts.

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What type of force holds nuclei together?

GRAVITATIONAL FORCE
ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCE
WEAK FORCE
STRONG FORCE

The correct answer is: STRONG FORCE

Nuclei are comprised of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. The electromagnetic force which governs interactions between charged particles is not able to overcome the repulsive forces between these protons, making it an incorrect answer. The weak force is responsible for radioactive decay, so it does not hold nuclei together, making it also an incorrect answer. The gravitational force is an extremely weak force compared to the strong force, and cannot overcome the strong force which binds particles together, making it an incorrect answer. Therefore, the correct answer is the strong force. It is responsible for binding quarks together to form protons and neutrons, and binding protons and neutrons together to form nuclei, making it the strongest force in the universe.