Chapter 18, Problem 48QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The larger binding energy between K-40 and Ca-40 should be determined with the help of calculation.

Concept introduction:

A nucleus is stable when nucleus cannot be converted into another configuration without addition of energy from the outside source. Among the thousands of nuclides, approximately 250 are stable. The graph between the number of neutrons and number of protons for nuclei (stable) represents that the isotopes which are stable fall into a narrow band. This region in the graph is known as band of stability.

Mass defect is equal to the sum of mass of neutrons and protons minus mass of nucleus.

Binding energy is defined as the energy which corresponds to mass defect. It is also defined as the energy absorbed to decompose nuclei into protons and neutron.