Question

The mass of ce¹5N is 15.00011u, mass of ce¹6O is 15.99492u and mp=1.00783u. Determine the binding energy of the last proton of ce¹6O.

• A. \(2.13\,\text{MeV}\)
• B. \(0.13\,\text{MeV}\)
• C. \(10\,\text{MeV}\)
• D. 12.13MeV

Hint:

Binding energy of the last nucleon is found using separation energy: S = [M(daughter) + M(nucleon) - M(parent)]c² Use atomic masses to avoid electron corrections.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Proton separation energy: Sp = [M(ce¹5N) + mp - M(ce¹6O)]c²
Step 2: Substituting atomic masses (electrons cancel): Δ m = 15.00011 + 1.00783 - 15.99492 = 0.01302u
Step 3: Converting mass defect to energy: Sp = 0.01302 × 931 ≈ 12.13MeV