PhysicsChapter 8: Nuclear Physics
Binding Energy Per Nucleon and Nuclear Stability
Binding energy per nucleon
Definition
Binding energy per nucleon is the total binding energy of a nucleus divided by its number of nucleons.
Binding-Energy Curve
If total binding energy is `BE` and mass number is `A`: BE per nucleon = BE/A This quantity is useful for comparing nuclear stability. A graph of binding energy per nucleon against mass number shows that: very light nuclei have relatively lower values; values rise toward medium-mass nuclei; nuclei around the iron/nickel region are among the most tightly bound; very heavy nuclei have somewhat lower values. This explains why energy can be released by: **fusion of light nuclei and: fission of very heavy nuclei**. In both cases, products can move toward more strongly bound configurations.
Formula / Key Relation
**BE/A**
Exam preparation
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Binding Energy Per Nucleon and Nuclear Stability
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
Stability comparison:
- `BE/A`
- Light nuclei → fusion
- Heavy nuclei → fission
- Both can release energy.
60-second revision
- The binding-energy curve explains the energetic basis of fission and fusion.
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