Physics

Problem

Data:

1\,\text u = 931.5\,\text{MeV}\,c^{-2}

. (a) The atomic masses are

^{28}\text{Si}:\;27.976927\,\text u

and

^{40}\text{Ca}:\;39.962591\,\text u

. The mass of a proton is

1.007825\,\text u

and the mass of a neutron is

1.008665\,\text u

. Calculate the binding energy per nucleon for each of the two nuclei. (b) Which of the two nuclei is more stable on the basis of your calculations? a. (a) Calculate the binding energy per nucleon for

^{28}\text{Si}

and for

^{40}\text{Ca}

using the data provided. b. (b) State which nucleus is more stable and justify your choice briefly.

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