The binding energy of a deuteron (IH) is 2.3 MeV, its binding energy per nucleon will be:
Correct answer: D. 1.1 MeV
- A. 0.51 MeV
- B. 0.2 MeV
- C. 1.02 MeV
- D. 1.1 MeV
- E. 1 MeV
Explanation
The correct answer is 1.1 MeV. To find the binding energy per nucleon, you must divide the total binding energy of the nucleus by the number of nucleons. For a deuteron, which consists of one proton and one neutron, there are two nucleons. Therefore, the binding energy per nucleon is calculated as:Binding Energy per Nucleon = Total Binding Energy / Number of Nucleons = 2.3 MeV / 2 = 1.15 MeV, which rounds to 1.1 MeV.Option D is correct. Option A (0.51 MeV) and Option C (1.02 MeV) result from incorrect division. Option B (0.2 MeV) largely underestimates the value, while Option E (1 MeV) rounds down the correct value inaccurately.
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