Using the data below

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics

Problem

Using the data below, compare the binding energy per nucleon for

^{12}\text{C}

and

^{16}\text{O}

nuclei. State which nucleus is more tightly bound. Given: • Atomic mass of neutral

^{12}\text{C}

atom

= 12.000000\,\text{u}

• Atomic mass of neutral

^{16}\text{O}

atom

= 15.994915\,\text{u}

•

m_p = 1.007276\,\text{u}

m_n = 1.008665\,\text{u}

m_e = 0.000548\,\text{u}

•

1\,\text{u} = 931.5\,\text{MeV}/c^2

(i) Compute the mass defect of the

^{12}\text{C}

nucleus. (ii) Compute the mass defect of the

^{16}\text{O}

nucleus. (iii) Hence find the binding energy per nucleon for each nucleus and identify the more stable one.