(Comparative stability of two light nuclei)

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

Problem

(Comparative stability of two light nuclei) (i) The nuclear masses are:

M(\,^{12}_{\ 6}\!C)=11.996708\,\text{u}

and

M(\,^{16}_{\ 8}\!O)=15.990526\,\text{u}

. Using

m_p = 1.007276\,\text{u}

and

m_n = 1.008665\,\text{u}

, calculate the binding energy per nucleon for each of the two nuclei. (ii) On the basis of your calculations, state which nucleus is more stable and justify your answer numerically. (iii) If one mole of

^{16}\!O

nuclei could transform entirely into

^{12}\!C

nuclei without loss of nucleons, estimate the total energy absorbed or released in the process. Express your answer in kilojoules.

Related theory

Mass-Energy Equivalence
Nuclear Binding Energy
Mass defect and binding energy
Nuclear physics
Nuclei

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