Question

If the total binding energies of ${}_1^{2}H$, ${}_2^{4}He$, ${}_{26}^{56}Fe$ & ${}_{92}^{235}U$ are $2.22,28.3,492$ and $1786MeV$ respectively, identify the most stable nucleus of the following

• A. ${}_{26}^{56}Fe$
• B. ${}_1^{2}H$
• C. ${}_{92}^{235}U$
• D. ${}_4^{2}He$

Answer 1

The correct option is A ${}_{26}^{56}Fe$

$B.E_H=\frac{2.22}{2}=1.11$

$B.E_{He}=\frac{28.3}{2}=7.08$

$B.E_{Fe}=\frac{492}{56}=8.78=$ maximum

$B.E_U=\frac{1786}{235}=7.6$

${}_{26}^{56}Fe$ is most stable as it has maximum binding energy per nucleon.