Question

What is the binding energy of 60 Co (atomic # 27)? The mass of 60 Co is 59.9338 amu, the mass of a proton is 1.00728 amu, and the mass of a neutron is 1.00866 amu.

Answer 1

Mass defect = ( number of protons x proton mass) + ( number of neutrons x neutron mass) - mass obtained

      60Co has 27 p and 33 n

mass defect = ( 27 x 1.00728) + ( 33x1.00866) - ( 59.9338)   = 0.54854 amu

Binding energy = mass defect in amu x 931.5 MeV

             = ( 0.54854 x 931.5) = 510.965 MeV

                = 510.965 x 10^6 x 1.6 x 10^ -19 J = 8.175 x 10^ -11 J per 1 nucleus