Identify the correct statements.

(A) The density of nuclear matter is independent of the size of the nucleus.
(B) Nuclear forces are charge independent and are non-central forces.
(C) The nuclides having the same mass number are called isotones.
(D) The mass of a nucleus can be less or more than the sum of the masses of nucleons present inside it.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) and (B) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A) and (B) only

Analysis of statements:

(A) The density of nuclear matter is independent of the size of the nucleus → True. Nuclear density is approximately constant for all nuclei.

(B) Nuclear forces are charge independent and are non-central forces → True. Strong nuclear forces act similarly between p-p, n-n, and n-p pairs and have a non-central (tensor) component.

(C) The nuclides having the same mass number are called isotones → False. Nuclides with same mass number are called isobars. Isotones have the same number of neutrons.

(D) The mass of a nucleus can be less or more than the sum of the masses of nucleons present inside it → False. Mass of a bound nucleus is always less than the sum of individual nucleon masses (mass defect).

Correct Statements: (A) and (B)