Question

Find the binding energy/nucleon for:

1- O-18

2- U-235 (use 235.0439299 Amu for U235 weigh)

Answer 1

Part 1

O-18

atomic mass = 15.994915 amu

Number of protons = 8

Number of neutrons = 18 - 8 = 10

Mass defect = 8(mass of 1H1) + 10(mass of 0n1) - (mass of 8O18)

= 8(1.00783) + 8(1.00866) - (15.994915)

= 0.137005 amu

Binding energy = 0.137005 am x 931.5 MeV/amu

= 127.62 MeV

Total number of nucleons = 18

Nuclear binding energy per nucleon = 127.62 MeV/18

= 7.09 MeV / nucleon

Part 2

U-235

atomic mass = 235.0439299 amu

Number of protons = 92

Number of neutrons = 235 - 92 = 143

Mass defect = 92(mass of 1H1) + 143(mass of 0n1) - (mass of 92U235)

= 92(1.00783) + 143(1.00866) - (235.0439299)

= 1.9148101 amu

Binding energy = 1.9148101 am x 931.5 MeV/amu

= 1783.6456 MeV

Total number of nucleons = 235

Nuclear binding energy per nucleon = 1783.6456 MeV/235

= 7.5899 MeV / nucleon