Binding energy per nucleon in a nucleus is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The binding energy per nucleon in a nucleus is not the same for all nuclei, but rather it varies with the size (number of nucleons) of the nucleus. Experimental data shows that the binding energy per nucleon is greatest for medium-sized nuclei, typically between iron (Fe, atomic number 26) and nickel (Ni, atomic number 28). Smaller nuclei have less binding energy per nucleon because the attractive nuclear force is not strong enough to overcome the electromagnetic repulsion between protons. Larger nuclei have less binding energy per nucleon because the increase in the number of protons creates more electromagnetic repulsion which overcomes the nuclear force.

Binding Energy Per Nucleon in a Nucleus Is