Question

The density of nuclear matter is independent of the size of the nucleus. (T/F)

Hint:

The density of nuclear matter remains constant because the mass and volume of a nucleus increase proportionally.

Answer 1

Step 1: Nuclear matter density.
The density of nuclear matter is defined as the mass of the nucleus divided by its volume. However, the volume of a nucleus is proportional to the cube of its radius, and the mass is proportional to the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons), which increases with the size of the nucleus.
Step 2: Density and size.
Despite the increasing size of the nucleus, the mass and volume increase proportionally, so the density of nuclear matter remains constant. This is because the nucleons are packed in a similar manner, regardless of the size of the nucleus.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the density of nuclear matter is independent of the size of the nucleus, making the statement true.