Q. 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 found to be practically independent of the atomic number A, for nuclei with mass numbers between 30 and 170. Reason (R): Nuclear force is long range. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
A) (A) is true but (R) is false
B) (A) is false but (R) is true
C) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
D) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
Explanation
[Solution by Dr. Abubacker] The binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant (about 8 MeV) for $30<A<170$, so (A) is true. Nuclear forces are short range (and saturate), not long range, so (R) is false. Answer (1).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.