Fundamental force binding nucleons within an atomic nucleusCore of an atom, where nearly the entire mass and all positive charge is concentrated. It consists of protons and neutrons. and preventing like-charged protons
from flying apart. Particles that are acted on by the strong nuclear force (including protons and neutrons) are known collectively as hadrons. The strong nuclear interaction between individual hadrons is believed to be a remnant of a more powerful "color force" (carried by gluons) that acts between quarks inside hadrons.