The binding energy per nucleon of a nucleus
A)increases steadily as we go to heavier elements.
B)decreases steadily as we go to heavier elements.
C)is approximately constant throughout the periodic table,except for very light nuclei.
D)has a maximum near iron in the periodic table and decreases after that for heavier elements.
E)has a minimum near iron in the periodic table and increases after that for heavier elements.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The binding energy per nucleon of a nucleus has a maximum near iron in the periodic table and decreases after that for heavier elements. This is because the most stable nuclei are those with intermediate mass numbers, where the strong nuclear force is able to hold the nucleus together despite the electrostatic repulsion between protons. Nuclei with higher mass numbers have more protons, which increases the electrostatic repulsion and decreases the binding energy per nucleon.

The Binding Energy Per Nucleon of a Nucleus