binding energy per nucleon peak

Question

Binding energy per nucleon highest around?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Stability Measure**: Binding energy per nucleon ($BE/A$) determines the stability of a nucleus. Higher $BE/A$ means more stability.
2. **Binding Energy Curve**: As we look at the curve of $BE/A$ vs. Mass Number ($A$):
   - It rises sharply for light nuclei.
   - It reaches a maximum of about $8.8 	ext{ MeV}$ per nucleon.
3. **Peak Identity**: The peak occurs for elements like **Iron ($^{56}Fe$)**.
4. **Consequences**: Nuclei lighter than iron tend to undergo fusion, and those much heavier tend toward fission to reach this more stable configuration.

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binding energy per nucleon peak

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