Binding energy per nucleon

Definition

Binding energy per nucleon is the average energy required to remove a nucleon from the nucleus. It indicates the stability of a nucleus; higher binding energy per nucleon means a more stable nucleus.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The binding energy per nucleon typically peaks for elements around iron (Fe), indicating their high stability.
2. It can be calculated using the formula: $\text{Binding Energy per Nucleon} = \frac{\text{Total Binding Energy}}{\text{Number of Nucleons}}$.
3. A higher binding energy per nucleon suggests that more energy is required to break the nucleus apart, hence greater nuclear stability.
4. Nuclei with low or very high atomic numbers generally have lower binding energies per nucleon, making them less stable and more likely to undergo radioactive decay.
5. The mass defect, which is the difference between the mass of a nucleus and its constituent nucleons, is directly related to the total binding energy.

Review Questions

• What does a higher binding energy per nucleon indicate about a nucleus's stability?
• Why do elements around iron (Fe) have one of the highest binding energies per nucleon?
• How does mass defect relate to binding energy?

Related terms

Mass Defect: The difference between the mass of an atom's nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons.

Nuclear Fission: A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the release of energy.

Nuclear Fusion: A nuclear reaction where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.