Choose the correct statement

Options

A. The nuclear force becomes strong if the nucleus contains too many protons compared to neutrons
B. The nuclear force becomes strong if the nucleus contains too many neutrons compared to protons
C. Nuclei with atomic number less than 82 shows a tendency to disintegrate
D. The nuclear force becomes weak if the nucleus contains a large number of nucleons

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze each statement provided and determine which one is correct based on our understanding of nuclear physics.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Evaluate Statement 1**: "The nuclear force becomes strong if the nucleus contains too many protons compared to neutrons."
- The nuclear force is actually stronger when there is a balance between protons and neutrons. If there are too many protons, the repulsive electromagnetic force between them can overcome the strong nuclear force, leading to instability. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

2. **Evaluate Statement 2**: "Nuclei with atomic number less than 82 have a tendency to disintegrate."
- Generally, it is the heavier nuclei (those with atomic numbers greater than 82, such as Uranium and Plutonium) that are more prone to disintegration or radioactive decay. Nuclei with atomic numbers less than 82 are usually stable. Thus, this statement is also **incorrect**.

3. **Evaluate Statement 3**: "The nuclear force becomes strong if the nucleus contains too many neutrons compared to protons."
- While having more neutrons can help stabilize a nucleus, there is a limit. If there are too many neutrons compared to protons, the nucleus can also become unstable. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

4. **Evaluate Statement 4**: "Nuclei with atomic number greater than 82 show a tendency to disintegrate."
- This statement is correct. Nuclei with atomic numbers greater than 82 tend to be unstable and are more likely to undergo radioactive decay. They often disintegrate due to the imbalance of forces within the nucleus.

### Conclusion:
The correct statement is **Statement 4**: "Nuclei with atomic number greater than 82 show a tendency to disintegrate."