Question

Activity 27-3. Nuclear binding energy [Accompanies Section 27-3]

The energy that would be required to separate a nucleus into its individual nucleons is called the binding energy EB. The graph shows the binding energy per nucleon EB/A versus mass number A.

For each of the following processes in which nuclei are combined to make a larger one, state whether the process releases energy or requires an input of energy, and explain your reasoning.

(i) 4He + 4He + 4He → 12C

(ii) 16O + 16O → 32S

(iii) 56Fe + 56Fe → 112Te

(iv) 16O + 200Hg → 216Ra
Activity 27-3. Nuclear binding energy [Accompanies Section 27-3] The energy that would be required to separate a nucleus into its individual nucleons is called the binding energy Eg. The 20 Ne 56Fe 86K 160 8120 Alca 62Ni 24 Mg graph shows the binding 200Hg 14N 238U "He The binding energy per nucleon is greatest for S6Fe, 58Fe, and 62Ni. 11B 10B energy per nucleon Eg/A Li versus mass number A. For the largest nuclei, the binding energy per nucleon decreases as the size increases. This is because these nuclei have more protons that repel each other electrically. Binding energy per nucleon, Ep/A (MeV) For each of the Nuclides more massive than 2H are more tightly bound and so have a greater binding energy per nucleon. following processes in ЗНе which nuclei are 1 The most loosely bound nuclide is 2H (1 proton + 1 neutron). 2Η combined to make a 0- 0 T 1 1 50 150 200 T T 100 Mass number, A larger one, state whether the process releases energy or requires an input of energy, and explain your reasoning. (i) *He + "He + 'He 12C (ii) 10 + 160 + 32S (iii) 56Fe + 56Fe + 112Te (iv) 160 + 200Hg + 216Ra

Answer 1