question_answer

Which one has highest binding energy per nucleon?

A) \[F{{e}^{56}}\]                                 

B) \[L{{i}^{6}}\]

C)  \[{{U}^{235}}\]                                

D)  \[C{{a}^{40}}\]

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

Key Idea: Binding energy per nucleon measures the stability of nucleus. In order to compare the stability of the nuclei of different atoms, binding energy per nucleon is determined. Higher the binding energy per nucleon more stable is the nucleus. The curve has almost a flat maximum roughly from \[A=50\] to \[A=80\] corresponding to an average \[BE\] per nucleon of about\[8.5\,\,MeV\]. The nuclei having mass number between \[50\] and \[80\] are most stable. Iron \[(F{{e}^{56}})(A=56)\] having \[BE\] per nucleon of about \[8.8\,\,MeV\] is most stable.