Binding energy per nucleon as function of the nuclear mass
Image courtesy of Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP)
Binding Energy
A plot of the binding energy per nucleon vs. atomic mass shows a peak atomic
number 56 (Iron). Elements with atomic mass less then 56 release energy if formed
as a result of a fusion reaction. Above this threshold in order to release energy a
fission reaction must occur.
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A plot of the binding energy per nucleon vs. atomic mass shows a peak atomic number 56 (Iron). Elements with atomic mass less then 56 release energy if formed as a result of a fusion reaction. Above this
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