A binding energy curve is a plot of binding energy per nucleon versus atomic number.In what region of the binding energy curve are the most stable elements found?
A)in the lower left region (low atomic mass)
B)in the central top region (moderate atomic mass)
C)in the lower right region (heavy atomic mass)
D)binding energy is not dependent on atomic mass

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most stable elements are found in the central top region where the binding energy per nucleon is highest. This is because in this region, the nuclear forces that hold the nucleus together are strong enough to overcome the repulsive forces between protons, resulting in a high binding energy per nucleon. Elements to the left of this region have too few neutrons to have a stable nucleus, while elements to the right of this region have too many protons to have a stable nucleus.

A Binding Energy Curve Is a Plot of Binding Energy