How do you estimate the mass of a nucleus?

AI Thread Summary
To estimate the mass of a nucleus with a radius of 2.80 * 10^-15 m, one can start by considering the radius and mass of a proton, which is approximately 0.857 femtometers and has a mass of 1.67 * 10^-27 kg. The volume of the nucleus can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a sphere, and then the mass can be estimated based on the density of nuclear matter, typically around 2.3 * 10^17 kg/m^3. The final estimated mass of the nucleus is approximately 2.11 * 10^-26 kg. Understanding the relationship between volume, density, and mass is crucial for this estimation.
erinec
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Homework Statement


Estimate the mass of a nucleus with a radius of 2.80 * 10^-15m.


Homework Equations


I do not know if there is an 'equation' for this.


The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is 2.11*10^-26.. but I don't even know how to approach this question.
 
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I'd start with the radius of a proton - .857 fm (femtometer) and its mass 1.67*10-27 kg then figure the volume of the 2.8 fm volume they want you to fill.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton
 
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