Physics

Problem

Iron-56 is often said to be the most stable nuclide. Answer the following with reference to the binding-energy-per-nucleon curve and basic ideas of nuclear forces. (a) Explain why the curve rises steeply from

A=1

to about

A=20

. (b) State why the curve flattens and peaks near

A\approx56

. (c) Using your explanation, compare qualitatively the stability of

^{2}\!\mathrm H

^{56}\!\mathrm{Fe}

and

^{235}\!\mathrm U

. (d) If equal masses of

^{2}\!\mathrm H

and

^{235}\!\mathrm U

were completely converted to energy by their respective favourable nuclear processes, which sample would yield more energy? Justify without explicit numerical calculation. a. Explain rise from

A=1

A\approx20

b. Explain peak near

A\approx56

c. Compare stability of three specified nuclides d. Justify which of two equal-mass samples releases more energy

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