Potential energy curves are a useful tool for making sense of nuclear processes

Question

Potential energy curves are a useful tool for making sense of nuclear processes such as alpha-decay, fission, and fusion. The potential energy curve for each different type of nucleus is different and depends on the number of protons and neutrons. Below are plots of the potential energy as a function of the distance from the center of the nuclei for several atoms:

1) Which of these nuclei has the largest number of protons ? (A,B,C,D,E, or F)-----Explain the physics principles and reasoning behind your answer to the question.

2) Which of these nuclei has the least number of protons? (A,B,C,D,E, or F)

3) For which of these nuclei does it take the most energy to add another proton? (A,B,C,D,E, or F)

4) Which nuclei would release the most amount of energy if fissioned? (A,B,C,D,E, or F)----Explain the physics principles and reasoning behind your answer to the the question.

Explanation / Answer

1)   these nuclei has the largest number of protons   -    A

It has lowest energy associated .

2)    these nuclei has the least number of protons    -   F

It has highest energy associated .

3) these nuclei does it take the most energy to add another proton -   C

4)    nuclei would release the most amount of energy if fissioned    -   B

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