Chapter 18: Problem 72

Medium-mass nuclei have larger binding energies per nucleon than heavier nuclei do. What can you conclude from this fact?

Short Answer

Expert verified

From the fact that medium-mass nuclei have larger binding energies per nucleon than heavier nuclei, we can conclude that medium-mass nuclei are generally more stable than heavier nuclei.

Step by step solution

Understanding Binding Energy

The nuclear binding energy is the energy needed to disassemble a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons; it is also the energy that's released when a nucleus forms from its components. When the binding energy per nucleon (i.e., per individual proton or neutron) is higher, it means the nucleus is more tightly bound, or conversely, it would require more energy to break it down to individual nucleons.

Evaluating Stability

Nuclear stability is directly linked with the amount of energy that holds the nucleus together, which is the nuclear binding energy. A higher energy implies a more secure, or 'tighter', bond between the protons and neutrons within the nucleus. This makes the nucleus more stable and less likely to undergo decay, as it's more resistant to being broken apart.

Drawing Conclusion

Given that medium-mass nuclei have higher binding energies per nucleon than heavier nuclei, it can be concluded that medium-mass nuclei would generally be more stable than heavier nuclei. Therefore, medium-mass nuclei would be less likely to undergo decay than heavier nuclei, and they're less reactive as well.

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Medium-mass nuclei have larger binding energies per nucleon than heavier nuclei do. What can you conclude from this fact?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Binding Energy

Evaluating Stability

Drawing Conclusion

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