The normalized created-charged-particle multiplicity ($R_3$) in hadron-nucleus interactions has been studied as a function of the effective number of projectile encounters calculated by using the additive quark model. The analysis of the $〈{\nu }^{\prime }〉$ data on the ${\pi }^{-}$-nucleus and $p$-nucleus interactions obtained from emulsion and counter experiments at energies ≥50 GeV suggests a new kind of scaling whereby the $R_3-〈{\nu }^{\prime }〉$ relationship is projectile independent.

• Received 21 March 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.22.2784