Which atoms have lower binding energies than iron?

[zabachi]

Homework Statement

The problem is attached

Homework Equations

E=Delta{m}c²

The Attempt at a Solution

Since I don't know the mass of any of the things they gave in the question, how do I calculate the mass defect and from there the binding energy per nucleon?

 

[zabachi]

They did give mass of electron and proton in equation table though.

 

[kirakun]

Homework Statement

The problem is attached

Homework Equations

E=Delta{m}c²

The Attempt at a Solution

Since I don't know the mass of any of the things they gave in the question, how do I calculate the mass defect and from there the binding energy per nucleon?

There is a graph of binding energy per nucleon in many textbooks. Since this is mcq, i don't think u have time to calculate individual binding energies. Light nuclei have low binding energies and this increases up to IRON (see graph) Beyond Iron, binding energy per nucleon decreases (proof of lower stability and for radioctivity emission). ∴ Atoms having atomic mass greater than iron(Ar = 56) have lower binding energies.
Answer is A.
NOTE: Iron has the highest binding energy and has a highly stable nucleus (very very rare to find radioactive iron in nature)