The following data are provided:
• Nuclear mass of 612C : 11.99671u
• Nuclear mass of 816O : 15.99491u
• Proton mass mp=1.00728u, neutron mass mn=1.00866u
On the basis of binding energy per nucleon, which of the two nuclei is more stable?
(a) 612C
(b) Both have approximately equal stability
(c) 816O
(d) The given data are insufficient to decide