Question

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

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

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

B.E ${ }_H=\frac{2.22}{2}=1.11$
B. $E _{ He }=\frac{28.3}{4}=7.08$
B. $E _{ Fe }=\frac{492}{56}=8.78=\operatorname{maximum}$
B. $E _{ U }=\frac{1786}{235}=7.6$
${ }_{26}^{56} Fe$ is most stable as it has maximum binding energy per nucleon.