Nuclear Stability: A Comparison of Binding Energy and Packing Fraction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of binding energy per nucleon and packing fraction in the context of nuclear stability. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the relationship between these two concepts and their implications for nuclear stability.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to reconcile the definitions and implications of binding energy per nucleon and packing fraction, questioning their relationship and stability indicators. Some participants explore the definitions of mass defect and its impact on stability, while others seek to clarify the terminology used in different contexts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the definitions and implications of the terms involved. There is an acknowledgment of differing interpretations, particularly regarding the term "packing fraction" and its relevance in nuclear physics versus mass spectrometry.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the definitions of mass defect may vary between fields, which could contribute to the confusion regarding the stability indicators. The original poster's question reflects a deeper inquiry into the assumptions underlying the relationships between the concepts discussed.

Krushnaraj Pandya
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Homework Statement


This is a conceptual question I have, the binding energy per nucleon is mass defect*c^2/mass number while the packing fraction is mass defect/mass number. A higher binding energy per nucleon indicates a more stable nucleus BUT a smaller packing fraction indicates a more stable nucleus as well despite BE/A=PF*c^2 as per the formulas- what blunder am I making?

Homework Equations


mentioned above

The Attempt at a Solution


mentioned above
 
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Let me re-frame the question, a higher mass defect means more energy to hold the nucleus together and a smaller atomic mass means less nucleons and radius, according to this a higher packing fraction should indicate a more stable nucleus not a less stable one, I'd be really grateful for any help to understand this-Thank you
 
can anyone solve this discrepancy?
 
Packing fraction is a term from mass spectrometry, in which "mass defect" is defined differently than in nuclear physics.
 

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