Chapter 25, Problem 72FP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The packing fractions of representative nuclides need to be determined. A graph needs to be plotted between the packing fraction and mass number. The plot needs to be compared with figure 25-6 and the relationship between the two needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The packing fraction can be calculated for any nucleus as the ratio of the mass defect to the number of the nucleon.

The mass defect of the nucleus is the difference between the mass of nucleons and nucleus mass. This can be calculated as follows:

$\Delta m=n_p\left(m_p\right)+n_n\left(m_n\right)-\text{Atomic mass}$

Here, the number of protons is equal to the atomic number and the number of neutrons can be obtained by subtracting the number of protons from mass numbers.

The mass of both protons and neutron is $1.67\times {10}^{-27}\text{ kg}$.