The forces in an atomic nucleus

[Leronira]

In an atomic nucleus, there is protons, and neutrons. The protons are positively charged and the repel each other. However, there is an "opposing" that helps to keep the nucleus in a piece instead of breaking apart. Does anyone know what kind of force is this? And what causes this force to be present in an atom nucleus? Thanks a lot in advance.
P.S. Moderator, I think i have posted this topic in a wrong section. Please help me to move this to the appropriate section. thanks.=D

 

[Rajini]

Hi,
1. nuclear force (a extremely strong force).
2. may be quarks.

 

[the_house]

The dominant force holding protons and neutrons together in a nucleus (and also that holds the protons and neutrons together themselves) is the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strong_interaction" ' charge. Although individual protons and neutrons are color neutral overall, they are not fundamental particles and their internal structure (i.e., the color charged quarks and gluons that make them up) still allows for strong interactions between them when they are close together.