Question

If the maximum number of neighbours of a nucleon within the range of nuclear force is \( p \) and \( k \) is a constant, then the binding energy per nucleon is approximately:

• A. \( p^2 k \)
• B. \( p k \)
• C. \( p^{1/2} k \)
• D. \( p^{1/3} k \)
• E. \( p^3 k \)

Hint:

In nuclear physics, the binding energy per nucleon is related to the number of nucleons interacting within the range of the nuclear force.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The binding energy per nucleon is proportional to the number of neighbours \( p \), and the constant \( k \). Since the binding energy is related to the range of nuclear force, which affects how the force is distributed among nucleons, the energy is directly proportional to the number of neighbouring nucleons. Therefore, the binding energy per nucleon is given by:

\[ \text{Binding energy per nucleon} \propto p k \]

Thus, the binding energy per nucleon is \( p k \).