Question

explain why binding energy for heavy nuclei is low

Answer 1

Hii friend,

# Binding energy-

Binding energy is the minimum energy required to disassemble a system of particles into separate parts.

# Why heavy nuclei have lesser binding energy?

For heavy or massive nuclei, the positively charged protons on opposite sides of the nucleus are repelling each other by electrostatic repulsion, and the strong nuclear force is very weak at these distances. So average binding is weak. hence binding energy is low.

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Answer 2

Binding energy is a measure of the strength or energy required to break a nucleus into its constituent particles, namely neutrons and protons. The binding energy vs mass curve shows that the BE of heavy nuclides is lower than expected.

One main reason for this is because atoms with a nucleus larger that Fe experience a large amount of intra molecular repulsion due to increased number of protons inside. As a result, this repulsion overcomes the binding energy. Since the repulsion is stronger than the energy required to keep the atom stable, heavy nuclides have a lower binding energy i.e., can be disassociated easily.