If the total binding energies of 1H2 , 2He4 , 26Fe56 and 92U235 nuclei are 2.22 , 28.3 , 492 and 1786 MeV respectively, identify the most stable nucleus out of the following

Q: If the total binding energies of ₁H² , ₂He⁴ , ₂₆Fe⁵⁶ and ₉₂U²³⁵ nuclei are 2.22 , 28.3 , 492 and 1786 MeV respectively, identify the most stable nucleus out of the following

(a) ₂₆Fe⁵⁶

(b) ₁H²

(c) ₉₂U²³⁵

(d) ₂He⁴

Ans: (a)

Sol: B.E per nucleon:

₁H² ∶ 2.22/2 = 1.11 Me V

₂He⁴ ∶ 28.3/4 = 7.07 Me V

₂₆Fe⁵⁶ ∶ 492/56 = 8.78 Me V

₉₂U²³⁵ :1786/235 = 7.6 Me V

B.E. per nucleon is maximum for ₂₆Fe⁵⁶ , hence it is most stable element.