Physics

Physics

Problem

Which one of the following best describes the overall shape of the binding-energy-per-nucleon curve from hydrogen (A=1A=1) to uranium (A≈238A\text{≈}238)? a) It remains almost constant for all mass numbers. b) It shows several small peaks at magic numbers, giving an oscillatory pattern with mass number. c) It rises rapidly to a broad maximum around A≈56A\approx56 and then falls slowly for heavier nuclei. d) It falls steadily as mass number increases.

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