Answer to Question #313038 in Atomic and Nuclear Physics for Anonymous005

Question

How much energy is required to remove one

proton from the nucleus of A = 16, Z = 8, Oxygen? A rough answer

to this question is obtained by giving the binding

energy per nucleon. A better answer is obtained

when we write a reaction that removes a proton

from the nucleus. In this case 16

8O → 1 1p + A = 15. Z= 7, Nitrogen.

Calculate the energy required for this reaction

to take place, known as the proton separation

energy. Compare the two energy values. (The

atomic mass of oxygen is 15.994 u; that of

nitrogen is 15.000 u.)

Answer 1

$E=\Delta mc^2=(m_O-m_N)c^2=930~MeV.$