Question

Calculate the binding energy per nucleon and the neutron separation energy for 16O8 and 17O8

Answer 1

16O8 has, 8 protons and 8 neutrons (16O = 15.994914 amu)

total mass = 8 x 1.00728 + 8 x 1.00867 = 16.1276 amu

mass defect = 16.1276 amu - 15.994914 amu = 0.132686 amu

Binding energy = 0.132686 amu x 931.5 MeV/amu = 123.60 MeV

Binding energy per nulceon = 123.60/16 = 7.72 MeV/nucleon

17O8 has, 8 protons and 9 neutrons (17O = 16.999131 amu)

total mass = 8 x 1.00728 + 9 x 1.00867 = 17.13627 amu

mass defect = 17.13627 amu - 16.999131 amu = 0.137139 amu

Binding energy = 0.137130 amu x 931.5 MeV/amu = 127.74 MeV

Binding energy per nulceon = 127.74/17 = 7.51 MeV/nucleon