The weak force, also known as the weak nuclear force, is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It is responsible for processes like radioactive decay and the interactions of subatomic particles, particularly involving neutrinos and quarks. This force operates at a very short range, typically less than the size of an atomic nucleus. Unlike the strong force, which holds atomic nuclei together, the weak force can change one type of particle into another. For example, it allows a proton to transform into a neutron, emitting a beta particle in the process. This transformation is crucial for nuclear reactions and the stability of matter in the universe.