CUET UG Physics Booster Test 3-Nuclear Dimensions and Density
📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.
QUESTION 1 OF 20
Statements regarding the impact of higher energy alpha particles in Rutherford scattering:
1. A higher energy alpha particle will reach a smaller distance of closest approach than a 5.5 MeV one.
2. At energies high enough to overcome the distance threshold, scattering will deviate from Rutherford's prediction.
3. Deviations occur because the short-range nuclear force begins to affect scattering.
4. Rutherford's calculations are based entirely on pure Coulomb repulsion.
QUESTION 2 OF 20
Statements evaluating Rutherford's model boundaries:
1. It successfully calculates scattering assuming pure Coulomb repulsion between positive charges.
2. It correctly models the internal strong nuclear forces of the gold nucleus.
3. It infers nuclear size from the distance at which deviations set in.
4. It inherently measures the exact boundary of nuclear matter at any energy.
QUESTION 3 OF 20
If the atomic radius scales as rₐ and nuclear radius as rₙ, and we define a scaling parameter S = rₐ/rₙ ≈ 10⁴, the ratio of their cross-sectional areas will be:
QUESTION 4 OF 20
If a nucleus (R = 1.2 × 10⁻¹⁵ m) is scaled up to a sphere of radius 1.2 cm, what would be the corresponding scaled-up radius of the atom (assuming the 10⁴ scaling factor)?
QUESTION 5 OF 20
Incorrect statement regarding the distance of closest approach (d):
QUESTION 6 OF 20
When comparing alpha particles and fast electrons as probes for nuclear size:
QUESTION 7 OF 20
Match List I (Isotopes) with List II (Radius relative to R₀)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. ⁸Be | a. 3R₀ |
| 2. ²⁷Al | b. 5R₀ |
| 3. ⁶⁴Cu | c. 2R₀ |
| 4. ¹²⁵Te | d. 4R₀ |
QUESTION 8 OF 20
Statements about R = R₀A¹ᐟ³:
1. It implies the volume of a nucleus is linearly proportional to the mass number A.
2. It demonstrates mathematically that density is independent of A.
3. It proves that nucleons are highly compressible.
4. It is a formula fitted from electron scattering experiments.
QUESTION 9 OF 20
Since the total nuclear mass is approximately proportional to A and the volume is proportional to A, the ratio of mass to volume is ___, indicating that nuclei are like a drop of liquid of ___.
QUESTION 10 OF 20
In the liquid drop model, if two identical nuclei of mass number A perfectly fuse to form a nucleus of mass number 2A, the radius of the new nucleus Rnew in terms of the original radius R will be:
QUESTION 11 OF 20
Given the density of nuclear matter is ρ ≈ 2.3 × 10¹⁷ kg m⁻³, what is the approximate mass of 1 mm³ (10⁻⁹ m³) of nuclear matter?
QUESTION 12 OF 20
Statements evaluating densities:
1. A highly concentrated sample of nuclear matter would be incredibly massive compared to ordinary matter of the same volume.
2. Nuclear density is approximately 10¹⁴ times that of water.
3. The mass density of the atom does not follow the independent density rule of the nucleus.
4. The difference in density between a nucleus and an atom is due to the atomic void.
QUESTION 13 OF 20
Incorrect statement about the mass distribution in atoms:
QUESTION 14 OF 20
If the volume ratio of the nucleus to the atom is 10⁻¹²,
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Statements regarding the constancy of nuclear density across different elements:
1. The nuclear volume increases proportionally with mass number A.
2. Different nuclei are like a drop of liquid of constant density.
3. A Uranium nucleus has a vastly higher density than a Carbon nucleus.
4. Density is heavily dependent on the atomic number Z.
QUESTION 16 OF 20
Match List I (Steps to mathematically find nuclear density) with List II (Formulas/Values)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Compute Mass | a. Multiply atomic mass by 1.6605 × 10⁻²⁷ |
| 2. Compute Volume | b. Divide Mass by Volume |
| 3. Convert units (u to kg) | c. Use the value A in u (e.g., 55.85 u for Fe) |
| 4. Final Density Computation | d. Use (4/3)πR₀³A |
QUESTION 17 OF 20
In extreme astrophysical environments like neutron stars, matter is heavily ___, structurally resembling a giant ___.
QUESTION 18 OF 20
Statements regarding the astrophysical link to nuclear density:
1. Neutron stars have densities comparable to 2.3 × 10¹⁷ kg m⁻³.
2. They possess a density equal to that of a normal hydrogen atom.
3. Their density is equivalent to ordinary water.
4. They demonstrate that matter in these objects has been compressed to such an extent that they resemble a big nucleus.
QUESTION 19 OF 20
The fact that electron scattering and alpha scattering yield slightly different nuclear radii is rooted in:
QUESTION 20 OF 20
If R₍c₎ represents the radius determined by electron scattering and R₍m₎ represents the radius determined by alpha scattering:
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 Statements regarding the impact of higher energy alpha particles in Rutherford scattering:
1. A higher energy alpha particle will reach a smaller distance of closest approach than a 5.5 MeV one.
2. At energies high enough to overcome the distance threshold, scattering will deviate from Rutherford's prediction.
3. Deviations occur because the short-range nuclear force begins to affect scattering.
4. Rutherford's calculations are based entirely on pure Coulomb repulsion.
�� Higher energy gives smaller closest approach. �� Nuclear force becomes important at short distances. �� Rutherford theory assumes only Coulomb interaction.
Statement 1 is correct because increasing alpha-particle energy decreases the distance of closest approach. Statement 2 is correct because sufficiently energetic alpha particles can approach the nucleus closely enough for deviations from Rutherford scattering to appear. Statement 3 is correct because short-range nuclear forces begin to influence scattering at very small separations. Statement 4 is correct because Rutherford's theory considers only Coulomb repulsion between charges. Therefore, statements 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
- �� Option B → Omits statement 3, which is correct.
- �� Option C → Omits statements 1 and 4.
- �� Option D → Omits statements 2 and 3.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Verify each statement using Rutherford scattering theory.
Final Logic:
- All four statements are correct.
High Energy → Nuclear Force Appears
2 Statements evaluating Rutherford's model boundaries:
1. It successfully calculates scattering assuming pure Coulomb repulsion between positive charges.
2. It correctly models the internal strong nuclear forces of the gold nucleus.
3. It infers nuclear size from the distance at which deviations set in.
4. It inherently measures the exact boundary of nuclear matter at any energy.
�� Rutherford theory uses Coulomb force. �� Nuclear size is inferred indirectly. �� Strong nuclear force is outside the model.
Statement 1 is correct because Rutherford's model is based on Coulomb interaction. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strong nuclear force was not included in Rutherford's analysis. Statement 3 is correct because nuclear dimensions can be estimated from deviations from Rutherford scattering. Statement 4 is incorrect because Rutherford scattering does not directly determine the exact nuclear boundary. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 2, which is incorrect.
- �� Option C → Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect.
- �� Option D → Includes statement 4, which is incorrect.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Separate Rutherford-model assumptions from later nuclear-force concepts.
Final Logic:
- Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Rutherford = Coulomb Only
3 If the atomic radius scales as rₐ and nuclear radius as rₙ, and we define a scaling parameter S = rₐ/rₙ ≈ 10⁴, the ratio of their cross-sectional areas will be:
�� Area depends on radius squared. �� Radius ratio is S. �� Area ratio becomes S².
Cross-sectional area is proportional to r². Therefore, Area Ratio = (rₐ/rₙ)² = S² Hence, option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Corresponds to volume ratio.
- �� Option C → Radius ratio only.
- �� Option D → Inverse relation.
Used
- Dimensional/Unit Analysis
Application:
- Use the geometric relation Area ∝ Radius².
Final Logic:
- Area ratio = S².
Radius² → Area
4 If a nucleus (R = 1.2 × 10⁻¹⁵ m) is scaled up to a sphere of radius 1.2 cm, what would be the corresponding scaled-up radius of the atom (assuming the 10⁴ scaling factor)?
�� Atomic radius is about 10⁴ times nuclear radius. �� Scale factor remains unchanged. �� Multiply scaled nucleus radius by 10⁴.
Scaled nuclear radius = 1.2 cm Scaled atomic radius = 10⁴ × 1.2 cm = 12000 cm = 120 m Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Too small by factor 10.
- �� Option C → Too large.
- �� Option D → Incorrect conversion to metres.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Apply the atomic-to-nuclear radius ratio.
Final Logic:
- 1.2 cm × 10⁴ = 120 m.
1.2 cm → 120 m
5 Incorrect statement regarding the distance of closest approach (d):
�� Closest approach is not nuclear radius. �� It provides only an upper limit. �� Higher energy gives smaller distances.
The distance of closest approach is obtained by equating kinetic energy to Coulomb potential energy. It provides an estimate and an upper limit for nuclear size but not the exact nuclear radius. Therefore, statement C is incorrect.
- �� Option A → Correct statement.
- �� Option B → Correct calculation method.
- �� Option D → Correct consequence of higher energy.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Distinguish between closest approach and actual nuclear radius.
Final Logic:
- Closest approach ≠ Exact nuclear radius.
Upper Limit, Not Exact Limit
6 When comparing alpha particles and fast electrons as probes for nuclear size:
�� Different probes reveal different properties. �� Electrons probe charge distribution. �� Alpha particles probe matter distribution.
Fast electrons interact electromagnetically and map nuclear charge distribution. Alpha particles are used to probe nuclear matter distribution. Therefore, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Interactions are not identical.
- �� Option B → Electrons are not governed by strong nuclear force in these experiments.
- �� Option D → Alpha particles easily penetrate electron clouds.
Used
- Definition Recall
Application:
- Recall the roles of scattering probes.
Final Logic:
- Electron → Charge, Alpha → Matter.
Electron-Charge, Alpha-Matter
7 Match List I (Isotopes) with List II (Radius relative to R₀)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. ⁸Be | a. 3R₀ |
| 2. ²⁷Al | b. 5R₀ |
| 3. ⁶⁴Cu | c. 2R₀ |
| 4. ¹²⁵Te | d. 4R₀ |
�� Radius ∝ A¹ᐟ³. �� 8 = 2³. �� 27 = 3³. �� 64 = 4³ and 125 = 5³.
1 → c : ⁸Be → R = 2R₀ 2 → a : ²⁷Al → R = 3R₀ 3 → d : ⁶⁴Cu → R = 4R₀ 4 → b : ¹²⁵Te → R = 5R₀ Thus, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Multiple incorrect radius assignments.
- �� Option C → Incorrect cube-root matching.
- �� Option D → Several mismatches.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Use cube roots of mass numbers.
Final Logic:
- R = R₀A¹ᐟ³.
8-2, 27-3, 64-4, 125-5
8 Statements about R = R₀A¹ᐟ³:
1. It implies the volume of a nucleus is linearly proportional to the mass number A.
2. It demonstrates mathematically that density is independent of A.
3. It proves that nucleons are highly compressible.
4. It is a formula fitted from electron scattering experiments.
�� Volume ∝ A. �� Density becomes constant. �� Formula is experimentally supported.
Statement 1 is correct because V ∝ R³ ∝ A. Statement 2 is correct because mass and volume are both proportional to A. Statement 3 is incorrect because nuclei exhibit near-constant density rather than high compressibility. Statement 4 is correct because the radius relation is supported by scattering measurements. Therefore, statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 3.
- �� Option C → Statement 3 is incorrect.
- �� Option D → Omits statement 4.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Apply consequences of R = R₀A¹ᐟ³.
Final Logic:
- Volume ∝ A and density is constant.
Cube Root → Constant Density
9 Since the total nuclear mass is approximately proportional to A and the volume is proportional to A, the ratio of mass to volume is ___, indicating that nuclei are like a drop of liquid of ___.
�� Mass ∝ A. �� Volume ∝ A. �� Density remains constant.
Since both mass and volume vary directly with A: Density = Mass/Volume remains constant. This supports the liquid-drop model of the nucleus. Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Density is not variable.
- �� Option C → Density is not variable.
- �� Option D → Mass-to-volume ratio is constant.
Used
- Definition Recall
Application:
- Use proportionality of mass and volume.
Final Logic:
- A/A = Constant Density.
Mass A, Volume A
10 In the liquid drop model, if two identical nuclei of mass number A perfectly fuse to form a nucleus of mass number 2A, the radius of the new nucleus Rnew in terms of the original radius R will be:
�� Radius ∝ A¹ᐟ³. �� New mass number = 2A. �� Apply radius relation.
Original radius: R = R₀A¹ᐟ³ New radius: Rnew = R₀(2A)¹ᐟ³ = 2¹ᐟ³R₀A¹ᐟ³ = 2¹ᐟ³R Therefore, option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Assumes direct proportionality.
- �� Option C → Incorrect power.
- �� Option D → Far larger than actual value.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Apply R ∝ A¹ᐟ³ to the fused nucleus.
Final Logic:
- Doubling A multiplies radius by 2¹ᐟ³.
Double A → Cube Root 2
11 Given the density of nuclear matter is ρ ≈ 2.3 × 10¹⁷ kg m⁻³, what is the approximate mass of 1 mm³ (10⁻⁹ m³) of nuclear matter?
�� Mass = Density × Volume. �� Nuclear density is extremely high. �� Even a tiny volume has enormous mass.
Using: Mass = Density × Volume = (2.3 × 10¹⁷) × (10⁻⁹) = 2.3 × 10⁸ kg Thus, 1 mm³ of nuclear matter would have a mass of approximately 2.3 × 10⁸ kg. Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Incorrect multiplication of powers.
- �� Option C → Ignores volume factor.
- �� Option D → Opposite power of ten.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute the given density and volume into M = ρV.
Final Logic:
- 2.3 × 10¹⁷ × 10⁻⁹ = 2.3 × 10⁸ kg.
ρV = Mass
12 Statements evaluating densities:
1. A highly concentrated sample of nuclear matter would be incredibly massive compared to ordinary matter of the same volume.
2. Nuclear density is approximately 10¹⁴ times that of water.
3. The mass density of the atom does not follow the independent density rule of the nucleus.
4. The difference in density between a nucleus and an atom is due to the atomic void.
�� Nuclear matter is extremely dense. �� Atoms contain large empty regions. �� Nuclear density remains nearly constant.
Statement 1 is correct because nuclear matter is enormously denser than ordinary matter. Statement 2 is correct because nuclear density is approximately 10¹⁴ times greater than water density. Statement 3 is correct because atomic density depends strongly on atomic size and empty space, unlike nuclear density. Statement 4 is correct because most atomic volume consists of empty space, causing atomic density to be much lower than nuclear density. Therefore, statements 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
- �� Option B → Omits statements 1 and 4.
- �� Option C → Omits statement 2.
- �� Option D → Omits statements 3 and 4.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Evaluate each statement using the concepts of atomic and nuclear density.
Final Logic:
- All four statements are correct.
Nucleus Dense, Atom Empty
13 Incorrect statement about the mass distribution in atoms:
�� Electron mass is negligible. �� Nucleus contains almost all atomic mass. �� Protons and neutrons form the nucleus.
Electrons are approximately 1836 times lighter than protons. Their total contribution to atomic mass is very small and nowhere near 10%. Therefore, statement A is incorrect.
- �� Option B → Correct statement.
- �� Option C → Correct description of nuclear structure.
- �� Option D → Correct comparison of atomic and nuclear dimensions.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Compare electron mass with nucleon masses.
Final Logic:
- Atomic mass is dominated by the nucleus.
Electrons Light, Nucleus Heavy
14 If the volume ratio of the nucleus to the atom is 10⁻¹²,
�� Nuclear volume is extremely small. �� Most atomic volume contains no concentrated matter. �� Rutherford scattering supports this conclusion.
Since the nucleus occupies only about 10⁻¹² of the atomic volume, almost all of the atom consists of empty space. This explains why most alpha particles pass through thin foils without significant deflection. Therefore, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Direct nuclear interaction is relatively rare.
- �� Option B → Electrons do not fill atomic volume with comparable mass.
- �� Option D → Volume ratio gives no information about binding strength.
Used
- Definition Recall
Application:
- Interpret the meaning of the nuclear-to-atomic volume ratio.
Final Logic:
- Tiny nucleus ⇒ Vast atomic empty space.
10⁻¹² Volume → Empty Atom
15 Statements regarding the constancy of nuclear density across different elements:
1. The nuclear volume increases proportionally with mass number A.
2. Different nuclei are like a drop of liquid of constant density.
3. A Uranium nucleus has a vastly higher density than a Carbon nucleus.
4. Density is heavily dependent on the atomic number Z.
�� Volume ∝ A. �� Density remains nearly constant. �� Liquid-drop model assumes constant density.
Statement 1 is correct because nuclear volume is proportional to A. Statement 2 is correct because nuclei behave like drops of incompressible liquid with nearly constant density. Statement 3 is incorrect because Uranium and Carbon nuclei have approximately the same density. Statement 4 is incorrect because density is nearly independent of Z. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 3, which is incorrect.
- �� Option C → Includes statement 3, which is incorrect.
- �� Option D → Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Apply the concept of constant nuclear density.
Final Logic:
- Density is nearly independent of nuclear size.
All Nuclei, Same Density
16 Match List I (Steps to mathematically find nuclear density) with List II (Formulas/Values)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Compute Mass | a. Multiply atomic mass by 1.6605 × 10⁻²⁷ |
| 2. Compute Volume | b. Divide Mass by Volume |
| 3. Convert units (u to kg) | c. Use the value A in u (e.g., 55.85 u for Fe) |
| 4. Final Density Computation | d. Use (4/3)πR₀³A |
�� Determine mass in u. �� Convert mass into kg. �� Compute volume and then density.
1 → c : Begin with the atomic mass value in u. 2 → d : Use V = (4/3)πR₀³A. 3 → a : Convert u into kg using 1.6605 × 10⁻²⁷. 4 → b : Density = Mass ÷ Volume. Thus, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Incorrect sequence of calculations.
- �� Option C → Mass and volume are mismatched.
- �� Option D → Incorrect density assignment.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Match each calculation step with the corresponding formula.
Final Logic:
- Mass → Conversion → Volume → Density.
Mass → kg → Volume → Density
17 In extreme astrophysical environments like neutron stars, matter is heavily ___, structurally resembling a giant ___.
�� Neutron stars contain compressed matter. �� Their density approaches nuclear density. �� They resemble enormous nuclei.
Matter in neutron stars is compressed to extraordinary densities comparable to nuclear matter density. Hence, neutron stars can be viewed as giant nuclei. Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Neutron stars are not expanded.
- �� Option C → Heating alone does not explain their structure.
- �� Option D → A proton is not the correct comparison.
Used
- Definition Recall
Application:
- Recall the physical structure of neutron stars.
Final Logic:
- Compressed matter → Giant nucleus.
Neutron Star = Giant Nucleus
18 Statements regarding the astrophysical link to nuclear density:
1. Neutron stars have densities comparable to 2.3 × 10¹⁷ kg m⁻³.
2. They possess a density equal to that of a normal hydrogen atom.
3. Their density is equivalent to ordinary water.
4. They demonstrate that matter in these objects has been compressed to such an extent that they resemble a big nucleus.
�� Neutron-star density is enormous. �� Comparable to nuclear density. �� Matter behaves like giant nuclear matter.
Statement 1 is correct because neutron-star density is of the order of 10¹⁷ kg m⁻³. Statement 2 is incorrect because hydrogen atoms are mostly empty space. Statement 3 is incorrect because water is far less dense. Statement 4 is correct because matter is compressed to nuclear-density scales. Therefore, statements 1 and 4 are correct.
- �� Option A → Includes statement 2.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 2.
- �� Option C → Includes statements 3 and 2.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Compare neutron-star density with atomic and ordinary matter densities.
Final Logic:
- Only statements 1 and 4 are correct.
Star Density = Nuclear Density
19 The fact that electron scattering and alpha scattering yield slightly different nuclear radii is rooted in:
�� Different probes measure different distributions. �� Electron scattering measures charge distribution. �� Alpha scattering probes matter distribution.
Electron scattering experiments reveal the charge distribution inside the nucleus. Alpha-particle scattering is more closely related to the distribution of nuclear matter. Because these distributions are not exactly identical, the measured radii can differ slightly. Therefore, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Electrons do not probe nuclei through the strong force.
- �� Option B → Alpha scattering is not used to measure electron masses.
- �� Option D → Electrons remain negatively charged.
Used
- Definition Recall
Application:
- Identify what each scattering probe measures.
Final Logic:
- Charge radius and matter radius are slightly different.
Electron = Charge, Alpha = Matter
20 If R₍c₎ represents the radius determined by electron scattering and R₍m₎ represents the radius determined by alpha scattering:
�� Different scattering methods probe different distributions. �� Charge radius differs slightly from matter radius. �� Experimental values are not exactly identical.
Electron scattering determines the charge radius of the nucleus, while alpha scattering is related to the matter radius. Since charge and matter distributions differ slightly, the two measured radii are usually not exactly the same. Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Experimental measurements show small differences.
- �� Option C → Alpha scattering is related to nuclear matter, not atomic electrons.
- �� Option D → Electron scattering probes charge distribution, not only neutrons.
Used
- Definition Recall
Application:
- Compare the physical quantities measured by each technique.
Final Logic:
- Charge radius ≠ Matter radius exactly.
Rc ≠ Rm
