Why do protons stay together in the nucleus rather than repel each other?
a) electrons in surrounding atoms cancel the repulsive forces between protons.
b) electrostatic forces between protons and neutrons hold the nucleus together.
c) nuclear forces overcome electrostatic forces between protons in the nucleus.
d) neutrons surround protons and keep them far enough apart to prevent repulsion.

The correct answer is Option c.

Explanation:

There are in total 3 subatomic particles out of which 2 resides in the nucleus. They are protons and neutrons.

Protons are positively charged species and neutrons are neutral species.

Protons are repelled by other protons because of the same charge. But due to the presence of neutrons, a strong nuclear force is present which pulls protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

This strong nuclear force overcomes the electromagnetic forces and it helps in the prevention of repulsion of protons from other protons in the nucleus.

Hence, the correct answer is Option c.

14,16 18 reacts with group

i'm pretty sure it is letter c.) car