Chapter 24, Problem 60A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Binding energy per nucleon to mass number to be related.

Concept introduction: The amount of energy that required breaking one mole of nuclei into an individual nucleus is termed as binding energy. The larger the binding energy per nucleon, the more strongly nucleus are held together.

Answer to Problem 60A

Elements that have intermediate atomic mass have the greatest binding energy.

Explanation of Solution

Elements that have intermediate atomic mass have the greatest binding energy. Binding energy per nucleon reaches a maximum over a mass number of 60. Elements that have a mass number near 60 are the most stable.

Conclusion

It is harder to crack a nucleus with high binding energy than a nucleus with low binding energy.