Answer:
The binding energy per nucleon = 1.368*10^-12 (option D)
Explanation:
Step 1: Data given
The mass of a proton is 1.00728 amu
The mass of a neutron is 1.00867 amu
The mass of a cobalt-60 nucleus is59.9338 amu
Step 2: Calculate binding energy
The mass defect = the difference between the mass of a nucleus and the total mass of its constituent particles.
Cobalt60 has 27 protons and 33 neutrons.
The mass of 27 protons = 27*1.00728 u = 27.19656 u
The mass of 33 neutrons = 33*1.00867 u = 33.28611 u
Total mass of protons + neutrons = 27.19656 u + 33.28611 u = 60.48267 u
Mass of a cobalt60 nucleus = 59.9338 amu
Mass defect = Δm = 0.54887 u
ΔE =c²*Δm
ΔE = (3.00 *10^8 m/s)² *(0.54887 amu))*(1.00 g/ 6.02 *10^23 amu)*(1kg/1000g)
Step 3: Calculate binding energy per nucleon
ΔE = 8.21 * 10^-11 J
8.21* 10^-11 J / 59.9338 = 1.368 *10^-12
The binding energy per nucleon = 1.368*10^-12 (option D)
