Which of the following correctly describes the graph showing the variation of nuclear density ( ) with mass number ( A )?

Step-by-step solution

The radius of a nucleus is given by R = R₀ A^ 1/3 . The nuclear density is = Mass Volume = m A 4 3 R^3 , where m is the average mass of a nucleon. Substituting R , we get = m A 4 3 R₀^3 A = 3m 4 R₀^3 . Since is independent of the mass number A , it remains constant for all nuclei. Therefore, the graph of nuclear density versus mass number is a horizontal straight line parallel to the A -axis. Answer: A straight line parallel to the A -axis