  An approximate method to quantify the mass dependence of the number of
two-nucleon (2N) short-range correlations (SRC) in nuclei is suggested. The
proposed method relies on the concept of the "local nuclear character" of the
SRC. We quantify the SRC and its mass dependence by computing the number of
independent-particle model (IPM) nucleon pairs in a zero relative orbital
momentum state. We find that the relative probability per nucleon for 2N SRC
follows a power law as a function of the mass number $A$. The predictions are
connected to measurements which provide access to the mass dependence of SRC.
First, the ratio of the inclusive inelastic electron scattering cross sections
of nuclei to $^{2}$H at large values of the Bjorken variable. Second, the EMC
effect, for which we find a linear relationship between its magnitude and the
predicted number of SRC-prone pairs.

Nuclear Theory