question_answer

What is meant by binding energy per nucleon? The binding energies of deuteron \[(_{1}^{2}H)\] and \[\alpha \] -particle (\[\frac{4}{2}\] He) are 1.25 and \[\mathbf{7}.\mathbf{2}\text{ }\mathbf{MeV}/\]nucleon respectively. Which nucleus is more stable?     

Answer:

                Binding energy per nucleon is the average energy required to remove a nucleon from a nucleus. As the binding energy per nucleon of \[_{2}^{4}\]He is greater than that of \[_{1}^{2}H,\] so \[_{2}^{4}\]He nucleus is more stable than \[_{1}^{2}\]H nucleus.