Question

Which, among the following, is a correct statement?

• A. binding energy of a nucleus is always negative
• B. binding energy of a nucleus may be positive
• C. higher value of binding energy per nucleon means the nucleus is more ununstable
• D. higher value of binding energy per nucleon means the nucleus is more stable

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

It has been observed that total mass of nucleus is always less than the sum of the masses of its nucleons. The energy difference between the nucleus and its constituent particles due to their mass difference is termed as the binding energy of the nucleus.
In other words, we can say that to break the nucleus into its constituent particles, some energy is needed to be supplied. This energy is termed as binding energy of the nucleus. More is the binding energy per nucleon, more is the energy required to break the nucleus and hence we can say the more stable the nucleus is.