Physics Problems: Binding Energy per Nucleon...?

Question

1. Calculate the average binding energy per nucleon of 93/41 Nb (93 being the mass number and 41 being the atomic number of Niobium) and 197/79 Au (gold).

2. Calculate the binding energy per nucleon for (a) 2 (being the mass number) H, (b) 4 He, (c) 56 Fe, (d) 238U.

I don't get binging energy! please tell me what equations to use for these problems and how to solve them!

I have the answer to problem 1

1. (a) 8.66 MeV/nucleon for 93/41 Nb

(b) 7.92 MeV/nucleon for 197/79 Au

The problem is i dont know how to get the answer.

Help!

Answer 1

Nuclei are made up of protons and neutron, but the mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of the individual masses of the protons and neutrons which constitute it. The difference is a measure of the nuclear binding energy which holds the nucleus together. This binding energy can be calculated from the Einstein relationship:

Nuclear binding energy = Δmc2

number of protons x 1.007825 x 931.5 MeV = X

number of neutrons x 1.008665 x 931.5 MeV = Y

Add these energies = X + Y

(Atomic mass of the element) x 931.5 MeV = Z

Subtract

(X+Y) -Z = Nuclear binding energy

Divide by the total number of nucleons (the sum of all protons and neutrons in the element, that will give you the

binding energy/ nucleon