Question

Considering the binding energy per nucleon of the deuterium isotope's nucleus ${}_1^{2}H$ is 1.12 MeV, what will be the same for the protium isotope's nucleus ${}_1^{1}H$?

• A. 1.12 MeV
• B. 0.56 MeV
• C. 0.28 MeV
• D. 0 eV.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

0 eV.

Protium, or the common hydrogen isotope ${}_1^{1}H$ that we know, has only one nucleon in the nucleus - a proton. There are no other neutrons that this proton needs to sit in a bound state with.

Therefore its 'binding' energy is said to be zero. Which means protium's binding energy per nucleon is 0 eV as well.