Question

Binding energy per nucleon of three nuclei $A$, $B$ and $C$ are $5.5$, $8.5$ and $7.5$ respectively. Which one of the following nuclei is most stable?

• A. $A$
• B. $C$
• C. $B$
• D. Cannot be predicted

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$B$

Binding energy per nucleon is maximum for the nucleus B. Hence, the nucleus B is most stable. Higher is the binding energy, higher is the stability.
Note: The binding energy is the amount of energy required to disrupt the nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons.