Why Do Nickel and Iron Exhibit the Highest Binding Energy?

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SUMMARY

Nichol and iron exhibit the highest binding energy due to the interplay of the strong nuclear force and electrostatic repulsion among protons. The strong nuclear force binds nucleons together, increasing binding energy as more nucleons are present. However, this increase halts when nucleons are in close proximity, as the force is short-range. Conversely, the electrostatic repulsion among protons increases with the addition of protons, leading to instability in larger nuclei such as uranium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, including nucleons and binding energy.
  • Familiarity with the strong nuclear force and its role in atomic stability.
  • Knowledge of electrostatic forces and their impact on atomic structure.
  • Basic comprehension of isotopes and their stability.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the strong nuclear force and its implications for nucleon interactions.
  • Study the concept of electrostatic repulsion in atomic nuclei.
  • Explore the stability of neutron-rich nuclei and their decay processes.
  • Investigate the binding energy trends across different isotopes, particularly heavy elements like uranium.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in nuclear physics, atomic chemistry, and anyone interested in the stability of atomic nuclei and the forces that govern them.

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Several reasons. What two competing forces contribute to nuclear binding energies? Why are neutron rich nuclei unstable?
 
i'm not sure. i really do not know much about this, it was more of a general question. though i would love to hear an explanation :) thanks!
 
The simplified story is that the strong nuclear force makes nucleons bind to each other. The more nucleons there are around, the more partners anyone nucleon has available to bind to. That's the reason for the rising binding energy to begin with. It stops growing as the neighborhood of each nucleon becomes full since nuclear binding is short range. The force opposing stability is electrostatic repulsion between the protons. Which just keeps growing as protons are added since it is a long range force. By the time you get up to uranium, the nucleus is just about ready to spontaneously fall apart.
 
what about binding energies to their electrons? does a higher nuclear binding energy result in a strong hold in its electrons?
 
I think the binding energy is between nuclear particles only and the electron sees only the protons (maybe diminished from screening by inner electrons)
 

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