Question

Draw a plot of the binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number for a large number of nuclei, 2 ≤ A ≤ 240. How do you explain the constancy of binding energy per nucleon in the range 30 < A <170 using the property that nuclear force is short-ranged? 

Nuclear forces are short ranged, so every nucleon interacts with their neighbours only; so binding energy per nucleon remains constant.]

Answer 1

The variation of binding energy per nucleon versus mass number is shown in figure.

Since nuclear forces are short-ranged, every nucleon interacts with their neighbours only. Therefore, binding energy per nucleon remains constant.