What types of nuclear forces determine the rate at which a radioactive material decays?

Select one:

a. strong and weak

b. negative and positive

c. attractive and repulsive

d. charged and uncharged

The correct answer is C.

The atom is made up of three different particles, which are electrons, protons and neutrons. The proton and the neutron is located in the nucleus, which is the central part of the atom and the electrons are revolving around the nucleus. There is a strong repulsive force between protons and protons in the nucleus, but a strong attractive force occur between the protons and neutrons, neutrons and neutrons and protons and protons in the nucleus with approximately equal strength. These two forces keep the nucleus together and determine the rate at which radioactive decay take place.