Which force is most responsible for binding together an atoms protons and neutrons?

The strong nuclear force is primarily responsible for binding protons and neutrons together in an atom's nucleus. This fundamental force operates at very short ranges and is much stronger than the electromagnetic force, which would otherwise cause the positively charged protons to repel each other. The strong force is mediated by particles called gluons, which facilitate the interaction between quarks that make up protons and neutrons.