Question

Katen was studying nuclear physics. There, he collected values of binding energies of ${}_1{H}^2{,}_2{He}^4{,}_{26}{Fe}^{56}$ and ${}_{92}{U}^{235}$ and they are $2.22MeV,28.3MeV,492MeV$ and $1786MeV$ respectively. Then, he got a doubt that stability of the nucleus depends on its binding energy, which among the above four is the most stable nucleus?

• A. ${He}_2^4$
• B. $U_{92}^{235}$
• C. ${}_1{H}^2$
• D. ${}_{26}{Fe}^{56}$

Answer 1

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

Stability of nucleus $\alpha$ $\frac{BindingEnergy}{Atomicmass}$

So, ${}_1{H}^2\to \frac{2.22}{2}=1.11,{}_2{He}^4\to \frac{28.3}{4}=7.075{}_{26}{Fe}^{56}\to \frac{492}{56}=8.7,{}_{92}{U}^{235}\to \frac{1786}{235}=7.6$

So, ${}_{26}{Fe}^{56}$ is stable among all four.