Curve 2 is the binding energy per nucleon as a function of the mass number A. The other curves represent the contributions of various forms of energy that contribute to the binding energy. The curve that best represents the contribution of the Coulomb force is
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Question

Curve 2 is the binding energy per nucleon as a function of the mass number A. The other curves represent the contributions of various forms of energy that contribute to the binding energy. The curve that best represents the contribution of the Coulomb force is
A) 1 
B) 2 
C) 3 
D) 4 
E) 5

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Curve 4 represents the contribution of the Coulomb force as it is the only curve that increases as the mass number A increases, which is indicative of the repulsive nature of the Coulomb force between protons.

Curve 2 Is the Binding Energy Per Nucleon as a Function