The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of an atomic mass number has a sharp peak for the helium nucleus. This implies that helium

Question

The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of an atomic mass number has a sharp peak for the helium nucleus. This implies that helium (A) Can easily be broken up (B) Is very stable (C) Can be used as fissionable material (D) Is radioactive

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

In order to compare the stability of the nuclei of different atoms we determine the binding energy per nucleon. Higher the binding energy per nucleon, more stable is the nucleus. A graph between energy per nucleon and the mass number of nuclei is called the binding energy curve. It gives the following information that of two or more very light nuclei (nucleus of heavy hydrogen

_{1} H^{2}

fuse into a relatively heavier nucleus

(()_{2} H e^{4}),

then binding energy will increase showing that helium is stable.

Solution

Q. The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of an atomic mass number has a sharp peak for the helium nucleus. This implies that helium

Can easily be broken up

Is very stable

Can be used as fissionable material

Is radioactive