Physics

Problem

Four nuclei have the following average binding energies per nucleon:

^{4}\mathrm{He}

7.1\,\text{MeV}

^{12}\mathrm{C}

7.7\,\text{MeV}

^{56}\mathrm{Fe}

8.8\,\text{MeV}

^{238}\mathrm{U}

7.6\,\text{MeV}

Which nucleus is expected to be the most stable? a)

^{238}\mathrm{U}

^{56}\mathrm{Fe}

^{4}\mathrm{He}

^{12}\mathrm{C}