Question

Which one of the following statements about the atomic nucleus is accurate?

• A. The nucleus is held together mostly by the electrical and gravitational forces
• B. Large nuclei are denser than light nuclei
• C. All nuclei have nearly the same density
• D. Smaller nuclei are denser than larger nuclei

Answer 1

The correct option is C

All nuclei have nearly the same density

Explanation for correct option

(C) All nuclei have nearly the same density

Atomic nucleus

• The nucleus is a positively charged region in the atom's center.
• Electrically charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons make up atomic nuclei.

Density of nuclei

• The total number of nucleons is proportional to the nucleus's volume.
• This implies that the density of all nuclei is approximately the same.

Explanation for incorrect options

(A) Nucleus held together by the electrical and gravitational forces

• The nuclear force is the force that maintains a nucleus together.

(B) Large nuclei are denser than light nuclei

• The density of all nuclei is almost the same.

(D) Smaller nuclei are denser than larger nuclei

• The density of all nuclei is almost the same.

Therefore, the correct option is (C) All nuclei have nearly the same density.