Why are heavy nuclei less stable, and what is the binding energy of ¹⁶₈O if its mass defect is 0.1367 u? (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2)
Correct answer: B. High Coulomb repulsion, 127.3 MeV
- A. High neutron excess, 127.3 MeV
- B. High Coulomb repulsion, 127.3 MeV
- C. Weak nuclear force, 137.3 MeV
- D. Low proton number, 137.3 MeV
Explanation
Heavy nuclei are less stable due to increased Coulomb repulsion between protons, which counteracts the strong nuclear force. Binding energy = mass defect × c2 = 0.1367 × 931.5 ≈ 127.3 MeV.
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