Protons in the nucleus are indeed attracted to each other through the residual strong force, which is one of the fundamental forces in nature. The strong force acts between particles called quarks, which are the constituents of protons and neutrons.
However, the reason protons in the nucleus do not directly attract electrons in orbitals is primarily due to the presence of the electromagnetic force. The electromagnetic force, another fundamental force, is responsible for the interaction between particles with electric charge, such as protons and electrons.
The protons in the nucleus carry positive electric charge, and electrons in orbitals carry negative electric charge. According to Coulomb's law, opposite charges attract each other, while like charges repel. The electromagnetic force between protons and electrons is much stronger than the residual strong force over larger distances.
In an atom, the negatively charged electrons occupy distinct energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus. These orbitals are determined by the quantum mechanical behavior of the electrons. The electromagnetic force between the positively charged protons in the nucleus and the negatively charged electrons determines the stability and structure of the atom.
In summary, while the protons in the nucleus are attracted to each other through the strong force, the electromagnetic force dominates the interaction between protons and electrons, keeping electrons in their orbitals and maintaining the overall stability of the atom.