Nuclear Radius and Density

Introduction
 

Although atomic nuclei are incredibly small, they contain almost all of an atom's mass. Nuclear radius is measured in femtometres (fm), while nuclear density is extremely high because such a large mass is concentrated into such a tiny volume. This topic introduces the relationship between nuclear radius and nucleon number, helping students understand the structure and properties of atomic nuclei.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.8.6 Nuclear Radius and Density
 

What You Need to Know
 

• State that nuclear radius is measured in femtometres (1 fm = 1 × 10⁻¹⁵ m).

• Describe how nuclear radius varies with nucleon number.

• Apply the relationship between nuclear radius and nucleon number.

• Calculate the volume of a nucleus by assuming it is spherical.

• Explain why nuclear density is approximately constant for all nuclei.

• Calculate the density of a nucleus using its mass and volume.

• Explain why nuclei have extremely high densities compared with ordinary materials.

• Solve quantitative problems involving nuclear radius and density.
   

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Nuclear Radius and Density Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

This downloadable resource contains carefully selected AQA A Level Physics exam questions covering nuclear radius, nuclear density, nucleon number and calculations involving the size and density of atomic nuclei, together with fully worked solutions designed to strengthen understanding and improve exam performance.
 

Related Topics
 

• Nuclear Instability

• Radioactive Decay

• Rutherford's Alpha Scattering Experiment

• Binding Energy

• Mass Defect