`O_(2)`molecules consists of two oxygen atoms. In the molecules , nuclear force between the nuclei of the two atoms

Options

A. is not important because nuclear forces are short-ranged.
B. is as important as electrostatic force for binding the two atoms
C. cancels the repulsive electrostatic force between the nuclei
D. is not important because oxygen nucleus has equal number of neutrons and protons.

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the nuclear force between the nuclei of two oxygen atoms in an O₂ molecule, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Composition of O₂
O₂ molecules consist of two oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom has a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons.

**Hint:** Recall that the basic structure of an atom includes a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

### Step 2: Define Nuclear Forces
Nuclear forces are the forces that hold the protons and neutrons together within an atomic nucleus. These forces are very strong but have a very short range, typically effective only at distances on the order of a few femtometers (10^-15 meters).

**Hint:** Remember that nuclear forces are different from electrostatic forces, which can act over much larger distances.

### Step 3: Compare Nuclear Forces and Electrostatic Forces
In an O₂ molecule, the distance between the two oxygen nuclei is significantly larger than the range of nuclear forces. Therefore, while nuclear forces are strong, they do not play a significant role in the bonding of the two oxygen atoms in the O₂ molecule due to their short range.

**Hint:** Think about how the distance between the nuclei affects the strength of the forces acting between them.

### Step 4: Consider the Role of Electrostatic Forces
In contrast, the electrostatic forces (which arise from the charges of the protons in the nuclei and the electrons surrounding them) are long-range forces. These forces are crucial for the formation of molecular bonds between atoms.

**Hint:** Consider how the attraction between opposite charges can influence the stability of a molecule.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Given that the nuclear forces are short-ranged and the distance between the nuclei of the two oxygen atoms in an O₂ molecule is larger than the effective range of these forces, the nuclear force between the nuclei of the two atoms is not important for the bonding in O₂.

Thus, the correct answer to the question is that the nuclear force is not important because nuclear forces are short-range.

**Final Answer:** The nuclear force between the nuclei of the two oxygen atoms in O₂ is not important because nuclear forces are short-ranged.