Answer: The binding energy per nucleon for an O-16 nucleus is [tex]2.03\times 10^{-11}J[/tex]
Explanation:
Binding energy is defined as the energy which holds the nucleus together. It is basically the product of mass defect and the square of the speed of light.
This energy is calculated by using Einstein's equation, which is:
[tex]E=\Delta mc^2[/tex]
where,
E = Binding energy of the atom
[tex]Delta m[/tex] = Mass defect = 0.136 amu = [tex]0.136\times 1.66\times 10^{-27}kg[/tex] (Conversion factor: [tex]1amu=1.66\times 10^{-27}kg[/tex] )
c = speed of light = [tex]3\times 10^8m/s[/tex]
Putting values in above equation, we get:
[tex]E=0.136\times 1.66\times 10^{-27}kg\times (3\times 10^8m/s)^2\\\\E=2.03\times 10^{-11}kg.m^2/s^2=2.03\times 10^{-11}J[/tex]
Hence, the binding energy per nucleon for an O-16 nucleus is [tex]2.03\times 10^{-11}J[/tex]
