Question

calculate the binding energy per nucleon of an alpha particle given its mass to be 4.00151u​

Answer 1

Given :

The mass of the α-particle = 4.00151 amu

To Find :

The binding energy per nucleon of the α-particle

Solution :

The α-particle consists of two protons and two neutrons each

• The mass of the α-particle is equal to the sum of masses of protons and neutrons

         Net mass = Mass of protons + Mass of neutrons

                          = 2(1.007277) + 2(1.00866)

                          = 4.037874 amu

• The binding energy of α-particle is equal to mass defect

               Mass defect = 4.037874 - 4.00151

                                     = 0.036364 amu

                                     = 0.036364(931.48) MeV

                                     = 33.87 MeV

The binding energy per nucleon of the α-particle Is 33.87 MeV.