Define binding energy per nucleon.

The total binding energy of a nucleus divided by its nucleon number A.

How is binding energy per nucleon calculated from total binding energy?

By dividing the total binding energy E_B by the nucleon number A.

Calculate the binding energy per nucleon when binding energy = 3.17 × 10⁻¹¹ J, nucleon number = 24.

Binding energy per nucleon = 3.17 × 10⁻¹¹ ÷ 24 = 1.32 × 10⁻¹² J.

Describe how binding energy per nucleon varies with nucleon number across the periodic table.

It increases rapidly for light nuclei, reaches a maximum around A ≈ 56 (iron-56), then decreases gradually for heavier nuclei.

Which nucleus has the highest binding energy per nucleon?

Nickel-62 (⁶²Ni), narrowly ahead of iron-56 (⁵⁶Fe), which is usually quoted as the peak.

Why is iron-56 considered the most stable nucleus?

Because its binding energy per nucleon is at the peak of the curve (only nickel-62 is very slightly higher), so a great deal of energy per nucleon would be required to separate its nucleons.

OCR A-Level Physics A H556

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Binding energy per nucleon and induced fission

1 thing to know
Papers 1, 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on binding energy per nucleon and its calculation, the binding energy curve and iron-56, why fusion and fission release energy, induced fission, chain reactions and slowing neutrons.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

How are the masses of reactants and products found when calculating the energy from a nuclear reaction, and what happens when a particle meets its antiparticle?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define binding energy per nucleon.
Model answer
The total binding energy of a nucleus divided by its nucleon number A.
2
How is binding energy per nucleon calculated from total binding energy?
Model answer
By dividing the total binding energy E_B by the nucleon number A.
3
Calculate the binding energy per nucleon when binding energy = 3.17 × 10⁻¹¹ J, nucleon number = 24.
Model answer
Binding energy per nucleon = 3.17 × 10⁻¹¹ ÷ 24 = 1.32 × 10⁻¹² J.
4
Describe how binding energy per nucleon varies with nucleon number across the periodic table.
Model answer
It increases rapidly for light nuclei, reaches a maximum around A ≈ 56 (iron-56), then decreases gradually for heavier nuclei.
5
Which nucleus has the highest binding energy per nucleon?
Model answer
Nickel-62 (⁶²Ni), narrowly ahead of iron-56 (⁵⁶Fe), which is usually quoted as the peak.
6
Why is iron-56 considered the most stable nucleus?
Model answer
Because its binding energy per nucleon is at the peak of the curve (only nickel-62 is very slightly higher), so a great deal of energy per nucleon would be required to separate its nucleons.

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