Question

1. Using the Weiszacker’s formula, calculate the binding energy per nucleon for 235

92 U and

its two fission products: 149

60 Nd and 86

32Ge.

Answer 1

Use the Weiszacker’s formula:

$$B_E=15.8A−18.3A^{2/3}−0.71\frac{Z(Z−1)}{A^{1/3}}−23.2\frac{(A-2Z)^2}A+11.2\frac1{A^{1/2}}.$$

By this formula, the binding energy is

1796 MeV for Uranium-235.

132 MeV for ¹⁴⁹Nd.

56 MeV for ⁸⁶Ge.