Related Formula
R = R₀ A1/3$R = R_0 A^{1/3}$ [cite: 667]
ρ = MassVolume = (mₙ A)/((4)/(3)π R³)$$\rho = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} = \frac{m_n A}{\frac{4}{3}\pi R^3}$$ [cite: 664]
Core Logic
Substituting the expression for radius R$R$ into the density equation: [cite: 664]
ρ = mₙ A(4)/(3)π (R₀ A1/3)³ = (mₙ A)/((4)/(3)π R₀³ A) = (mₙ)/((4)/(3)π R₀³)$$\rho = \frac{m_n A}{\frac{4}{3}\pi (R_0 A^{1/3})^3} = \frac{m_n A}{\frac{4}{3}\pi R_0^3 A} = \frac{m_n}{\frac{4}{3}\pi R_0^3}$$ [cite: 664]
As observed, the mass number A$A$ cancels out perfectly, implying that the density of all nuclei is roughly identical and constant regardless of their mass numbers[cite: 664, 666]. Thus, the nuclear density of copper is equal to that of carbon, meaning Assertion (A) is incorrect[cite: 20, 663]. Reason (R) is correct since R ∝ A1/3$R \propto A^{1/3}$ is a foundational empirical law of nuclear physics[cite: 21, 668].
Pattern Recognition
Nuclear mass scales with A$A$, while volume scales with R³ ∝ (A1/3)³ = A$R^3 \propto (A^{1/3})^3 = A$[cite: 664]. Therefore, Density ∝ (A)/(A) = constant$\text{Density} \propto \frac{A}{A} = \text{constant}$[cite: 664, 666]. Always look out for options asserting varying nuclear densities across heavy vs light elements—it is a common trap.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Nuclei