Question

a. Is the binding energy of a nucleus with $A=200$more than, less than, or equal to the binding energy of a nucleus with $A=60$? Explain.

b. Is a nucleus with $A=200$more tightly bound, less tightly bound, or bound equally tightly as a nucleus with $A=60$? Explain.

Short answer

(a) The binding energy of nucleus of mass number $A=200$is higher than the mass number $A=60$

(b) The binding energy per nucleon of nucleus with$A=200$is less than that of the nucleus with$A=60$

Step-by-step solution

Subpart (a) Part 1:

The binding energy is the energy that holds the nucleus together and it is equal to the mass defect of the nucleus. It is also defined as the energy that required to supply to a nucleus to disassemble it into individual protons and neutrons.

If mass number increases, then the binding energy will also increase.

So, the binding energy of nucleus of mass number$A=200$is higher than the mass number $A=60$.

Subpart (b) part 1:

If the number of nucleons increases, then the binding energy per nucleon will also decrease. Since, the binding energy per nucleon is less for lighter nuclides and increase with the mass number.

So, the binding energy per nucleon of nucleus with $A=200$is less than that of the nucleus with $A=60$.