Question

What is the binding energy per nucleon? Why is the binding energy per nucleon, rather than per nuclide, used to compare nuclide stability?

Short answer

The energy required to remove a nucleon from a nucleus is known as the binding energy per nucleon. The higher the energy requirement, the more the stableis the nuclide.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:To find the binding energy per nucleon

The binding energy per nucleon is the average energy required to remove an individual nucleon from a nucleus. Also, it is defined as the average amount of energy per proton and neutronin a nuclide.

It is important in comparison of different combination stabilities and provides information on the possible procedures a nuclide can undergo to achieve more stable state. The greater the binding energy per nucleon, the nuclide is more stable and the nucleons are more strongly bonded together.

Hencethe binding energy per nucleon is the energy needed to remove a nucleon from a nucleus. This is used to measure nuclide stability because the higher the energy needed, the moreis thestability of the nuclide.