Physics

Problem

Nucleus

X

has

A=40

and a total binding energy of

336\,\text{MeV}

. Nucleus

Y

has

A=56

and a total binding energy of

476\,\text{MeV}

. Which of the following correctly compares their relative stabilities? a)

X

is more stable because its total binding energy is lower, meaning its nucleons are bound more tightly. b) Both nuclei are nearly equally stable since the difference in their average binding energies per nucleon (about

0.1\,\text{MeV}

) is negligible. c)

Y

is more stable because its average binding energy per nucleon is higher. d)

X

is more stable because

\dfrac{40}{336}

is slightly greater than

\dfrac{56}{476}

, indicating a larger binding energy per nucleon.

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