NEETPhysicsNuclear Physics
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : The binding energy per nucleon is practically independent of the atomic number for nuclei of mass number in the range 30 to 170 . Reason R : Nuclear force is short ranged. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Options
- AA is false but R is true
- BBoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- CBoth A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- DA is true but R is false.
Correct answer
B. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Step-by-step solution
The binding energy for stable nuclei is always a positive number, as the nucleus must gain energy for the nucleons to move apart from each other. Nucleons are attracted to each other by the strong nuclear force. Binding energy per nucleon is almost constant in the range of 30 - 170 . This is because nuclear energy is a short range force. It operates in the femto metre region. Hence, this option is the correct one.