/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 12 Why is it preferable to use nucl... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 12

Why is it preferable to use nuclear binding energy per nucleon for a comparison of the stabilities of different nuclei?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nuclear binding energy per nucleon is a preferable measure for comparing the stability of different nuclei because it provides an average measure of how tightly each individual proton or neutron is bound within the nucleus. Larger nuclei naturally have larger total binding energies due to their size, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are more stable. The per nucleon measure allows for a more accurate stability comparison regardless of the size of the nuclei.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Nuclear Binding Energy

Nuclear binding energy is the amount of energy required to disassemble a nucleus of an atom into its component protons and neutrons. It is a measure of the strength of the force that holds the nucleus together, and hence, a measure of the stability of the nucleus.
02

Understanding Per Nucleon Measurement

The term 'per nucleon' refers to the average binding energy per proton or neutron in the nucleus. It is calculated by dividing the total binding energy of a nucleus by the number of protons and neutrons it contains.
03

Correlation Between Nuclear Binding Energy Per Nucleon and Stability of Nuclei

In a comparison of the stabilities of different nuclei, using the total nuclear binding energy might be misleading because larger nuclei naturally tend to have larger binding energies due to their size. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are more stable. By considering the binding energy per nucleon, one can compare how tightly each individual nucleon is bound within the nucleus, which is a more accurate measure of nuclear stability. High binding energy per nucleon indicates a stable nucleus, while a low binding energy per nucleon suggests a less stable nucleus.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Bismuth-214 is an \(\alpha\) -emitter with a half-life of 19.7 min. A 5.26 -mg sample of the isotope is placed in a sealed, evacuated flask of volume \(20.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) at \(40^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Assuming that all the \(\alpha\) particles generated are converted to helium gas and that the other decay product is nonradioactive, calculate the pressure (in \(\mathrm{mmHg}\) ) inside the flask after 78.8 min. Use 214 amu for the atomic mass of bismuth.

How does a Geiger counter work?

Which of the following poses a greater health hazard: a radioactive isotope with a short half-life or a radioactive isotope with a long half-life? Explain. [Assume same type of radiation \((\alpha\) or \(\beta)\) and comparable energetics per particle emitted.

Cobalt- 60 is an isotope used in diagnostic medicine and cancer treatment. It decays with \(\gamma\) ray emission. Calculate the wavelength of the radiation in nanometers if the energy of the \(\gamma\) ray is \(2.4 \times 10^{-13} \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{photon}\)

The radioactive potassium- 40 isotope decays to argon- 40 with a half-life of \(1.2 \times 10^{9}\) yr. (a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction. (b) A sample of moon rock is found to contain 18 percent potassium40 and 82 percent argon by mass. Calculate the age of the rock in Years.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.