Question

A nucleus contains 18 protons and 22 neutrons. what is the radius of this nucleus?

Answer 1

Average radius of the nucleus is given by the equation,

`R = R_(0)A^{(1)/(3)}`

R is the average nuclear radius

`R_(0) is Fermi's constant = 1.1 *10^(-15) m`

A is the mass number = 18 protons + 22 neutrons = 40

Calculating the nuclear radius from mass number:

`R = 1.1 * 10^(-15) m (40^{(1)/(3)})`

`R = 1.1 *10^(-15) m (3.42 )`

`R = 3.76 * 10^(-15) m`