Exam-style question
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How does the nuclear radius change when the nucleon number is doubled?.
- A.It doubles.
- B.It increases by a factor of about 1.26.
- C.It remains the same.
- D.It decreases.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It increases by a factor of about 1.26.
Explanation
Why this works
If the nucleon number (A) is doubled, the new radius can be calculated as R = R0 * (2A)^(1/3) = R0 * 2^(1/3) * A^(1/3). Since 2^(1/3) is approximately 1.26, the nuclear radius increases by this factor.
Common mistake
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