Nucleus A has Z = 17 and equal numbers of protons and neutrons. Its binding energy per nucleon is 1.2 MeV. Nucleus B has Z = 12, total nucleons 26 and binding energy per nucleon 1.8 MeV. Find the difference between the total binding energy of B and A, in MeV.
Physics · Circular Motion
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Question

Nucleus A has Z = 17 and equal numbers of protons and neutrons. Its binding energy per nucleon is 1.2 MeV. Nucleus B has Z = 12, total nucleons 26 and binding energy per nucleon 1.8 MeV. Find the difference between the total binding energy of B and A, in MeV.

Physics · Circular Motion

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For nucleus A: Number of protons = 17 Number of neutrons = 17 Mass number: A = 17 + 17 = 34 Total binding energy of A: B.E. of A = 34 × 1.2 = 40.8 MeV For nucleus B: Mass number = 26 Total binding energy of B: B.E. of B = 26 × 1.8 = 46.8 MeV Required difference: 46.8 − 40.8 = 6 MeV Final answer: 6.