A neutron exerts a force on a proton which

Options

A. Gravitational
B. Electromagnetic
C. Nuclear
D. Weak

Answer

To solve the question "A neutron exerts a force on a proton which," we need to analyze the types of forces that can be exerted between a neutron and a proton. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Properties of Neutrons and Protons
- Neutrons and protons are both nucleons found in the nucleus of an atom.
- Neutrons are neutral particles (no charge), while protons are positively charged particles.

**Hint:** Consider the properties of neutrons and protons, especially their charges and masses.

### Step 2: Analyze the Types of Forces
- **Gravitational Force:** Both neutrons and protons have mass, hence they will exert a gravitational force on each other. This force is very weak compared to other forces at the atomic level.
- **Electromagnetic Force:** This force acts between charged particles. Since neutrons are neutral, they do not exert an electromagnetic force on protons.
- **Nuclear Force:** This is a strong force that acts between nucleons (neutrons and protons) when they are very close to each other. It is responsible for holding the nucleus together.
- **Weak Force:** This force is involved in certain types of particle interactions, but it primarily operates within the particles themselves and is not relevant for the direct interaction between a neutron and a proton.

**Hint:** Classify the forces based on the properties of the particles involved and their interactions.

### Step 3: Determine the Relevant Forces
- Since neutrons and protons are both nucleons, they will exert a **nuclear force** when they are very close to each other.
- They will also exert a **gravitational force** due to their masses.

**Hint:** Focus on the conditions under which each force is significant.

### Step 4: Eliminate Incorrect Options
- **Electromagnetic Force:** Incorrect, as neutrons do not have a charge to exert this force.
- **Weak Force:** Incorrect, as it does not apply to the interaction between a neutron and a proton in this context.

**Hint:** Consider the nature of each force and the conditions under which they apply.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The correct answers to the question are:
- **Gravitational Force (Option 1)**
- **Nuclear Force (Option 3)**

Thus, the neutron exerts both gravitational and nuclear forces on the proton.

**Final Answer:** The correct options are 1 (Gravitational) and 3 (Nuclear).