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JEEPhysicsNucleiClass 12

I keep getting “Binding energy per nucleon” questions wrong in Nuclei. What's the trap?

using total binding energy alone to compare nuclear stability.

The usual trap: using total binding energy alone to compare nuclear stability. How to avoid it: compare B/A, not just B. Go back to the definition — Binding energy per nucleon measures average tightness of binding. Its curve rises toward iron/nickel and then slowly falls, explaining why both fusion of light nuclei and fission of heavy nuclei can release energy.

Key point

Binding energy per nucleon

Common mistake

using total binding energy alone to compare nuclear stability.

Memory tip

compare B/A, not just B.

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