Question
From the relation R = R0A1/3, where R0 is a constant and A is the mass number of a nucleus, show that the nuclear matter density is nearly constant (i.e., independent of A).
Solution
Radius of a nucleus of mass number A is given by,
where,
This implies that the volume of the nucleus, which is proportional to R3 is proportional to A.
Volume of nucleus =
Density of nucleus =
The above derived equation shows that density of nucleus is constant, independent of A for all nuclei. Density of nuclear matter is approximately 2.3 × 107 kg/m3 which is very large as compared to ordinary matter.
where,
This implies that the volume of the nucleus, which is proportional to R3 is proportional to A.
Volume of nucleus =
Density of nucleus =
The above derived equation shows that density of nucleus is constant, independent of A for all nuclei. Density of nuclear matter is approximately 2.3 × 107 kg/m3 which is very large as compared to ordinary matter.