Physics

Problem

The atomic masses of three nuclides are given below: (i)

\,_{20}^{40}\!Ca

39.962591\,\text{u}

(ii)

\,_{26}^{56}\!Fe

55.934939\,\text{u}

(iii)

\,_{54}^{138}\!Xe

137.921722\,\text{u}

Useful data: mass of proton

m_p = 1.007276\,\text{u}

, mass of neutron

m_n = 1.008665\,\text{u}

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

. a. (a) For each nuclide, calculate the binding energy per nucleon. b. (b) Arrange the three nuclei in increasing order of stability, justifying your answer. c. (c) On the basis of the results obtained, predict whether usable energy could be obtained more readily by fusing two

\,_{20}^{40}\!Ca

nuclei or by fission of

\,_{54}^{138}\!Xe

. Give reasons for your choice.

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