Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Use the atomic masses u for helium-4 and u for oxygen-16, with u and u. Find the binding energy and the binding energy per nucleon of each. Which nucleus is held more tightly?
The mass defect is , with atomic masses. The binding energy is , and the energy per nucleon is . A mass is equivalent to the energy .
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Helium-4. The parts are u. So u, and MeV. Then MeV.
Step 2. Oxygen-16. The parts are u. So u, and MeV. Then MeV.
Answer: Helium-4: MeV and MeV. Oxygen-16: MeV and MeV. Oxygen-16 is held more tightly for each nucleon.
Check. Four helium-4 nuclei have MeV, less than the MeV of oxygen-16. Joining them into one nucleus gains a further MeV.
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