Physics

Problem

The following data are provided: • Nuclear mass of

_6^{12}C

11.99671\,u

• Nuclear mass of

_8^{16}O

15.99491\,u

• Proton mass

m_p = 1.00728\,u

, neutron mass

m_n = 1.00866\,u

On the basis of binding energy per nucleon, which of the two nuclei is more stable? a)

_6^{12}C

b) Both have approximately equal stability c)

_8^{16}O

d) The given data are insufficient to decide