Strong interactions, also known as strong nuclear forces, are fundamental forces that hold the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom. This force is incredibly powerful but operates over very short distances, typically on the order of a femtometer (10^-15 meters). It is responsible for overcoming the electromagnetic repulsion between positively charged protons, ensuring the stability of atomic nuclei. The strong interaction is mediated by particles called gluons, which act as the exchange particles between quarks, the building blocks of protons and neutrons. This interaction is essential for the formation of atomic nuclei and plays a crucial role in processes such as nuclear fusion in stars, where energy is produced by fusing lighter nuclei into heavier ones.