Nuclear forces are the fundamental interactions that hold the nucleus of an atom together. These forces are primarily the result of the strong nuclear force, which acts between protons and neutrons, the particles that make up the nucleus. This force is incredibly powerful but operates over very short distances, typically on the order of a femtometer (10^-15 meters). In addition to the strong nuclear force, there is also the weak nuclear force, which is responsible for certain types of radioactive decay, such as beta decay. Together, these forces play a crucial role in the stability of atomic nuclei and the processes that occur in nuclear reactions, including those in stars and nuclear power plants.