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MDCAT
Physics
2021

Physics · Nuclear Physics

Work through this past-paper style MCQ, then read the full explanation. Practice more physics questions on mMCQ with adaptive drills and topic analytics.

Question

The radius R of a nucleus is given by:

Options
  • A

    R=roA-1/3

  • B

    R=roA1/3

  • C

    R=roA3

  • D

    None of these

Explanation

Correct Option: B

The radius of a nucleus can be approximated by the formula R = roA^(1/3), where ro is a constant and A represents the mass number of the nucleus. The mass number A corresponds to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

The formula suggests that the radius of a nucleus increases with the cube root of the mass number. This relationship arises from the idea that as the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) increases, the overall size of the nucleus expands. 

Option A) R = roA^(-1/3) is incorrect because it suggests a negative exponent for the mass number, which would imply that the radius decreases as the mass number increases. However, in reality, the radius of a nucleus tends to increase with a higher mass number.

Correct Option: B

The radius of a nucleus can be approximated by the formula R = roA^(1/3), where ro is a constant and A represents the mass number of the nucleus. The mass number A corresponds to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

The formula suggests that the radius of a nucleus increases with the cube root of the mass number. This relationship arises from the idea that as the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) increases, the overall size of the nucleus expands.

Option C) R = roA^3 is incorrect because it proposes a cubic relationship between the radius and the mass number, which does not align with the understanding that the radius increases with the cube root of the mass number.

Option D) "None of these" is incorrect because option B) provides the correct formula for the radius of a nucleus based on our current understanding.

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Tagged under Physics · Nuclear Physics · 2021