Plotting the Binding energy/nucleon curve
In this exercise you are going to use the nuclide database found http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/pertab/pertab.html#c1 to a graph of binding energy per nucleon against nucleon
number. First find the database and look up a nucleus e.g. Helium. You will see this information.
To calculate the Binding energy you need to find:
(Mass of nucleons – mass of nucleus) x 931.5 MeV
Set up a spreadsheet in excel to do this calculation then enter masses of a variety of nuclei , some big,
some small and some in the middle. Now find the BE per nucleon and plot a graph of BE/nucleon vs
nucleon number. The table headers below will help you organise your data.
Columns E,F and G are calculated in the spreadsheet, I will check to see if you have done it properly ☺
Using the chart wizard in excel plot a graph of BE/nucleon vs nucleon number. If you don’t know how to
do this in excel then transfer the data to Loggerpro. Send the spreadsheet including the graph to me by
email. Mission accomplished.
© Chris Hamper, InThinking
www.physics-inthinking.co.uk
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