Using the data below

PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Nuclei · Nuclei

Problem

Using the data below, decide which of the two nuclei has the greater binding energy per nucleon. Data: • Proton mass

m_p = 1.007825\,\text u

• Neutron mass

m_n = 1.008665\,\text u

• Nuclear mass of

^{12}\text C\;(Z=6)=11.9967\,\text u

• Nuclear mass of

^{16}\text O\;(Z=8)=15.9905\,\text u

•

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

(a) Both nuclei have approximately the same binding energy per nucleon (b)

^{12}\text C

has the greater binding energy per nucleon (c)

^{16}\text O

has the greater binding energy per nucleon (d)

^{12}\text C

has

9.6\,\text{MeV}

per nucleon while

^{16}\text O

has

8.2\,\text{MeV}

; therefore

^{12}\text C

has the greater binding energy per nucleon