Why Is the Nuclear Binding Energy for ⁴He Greater Than

question 37

Multiple Choice

Why is the nuclear binding energy for ⁴He greater than that for ³¹P?

• A) Because the nulceons of He are more closely packed than any other element.
• B) Because helium has an even number of both protons and neutrons.
• C) Because helium is one of the noble gases, with a full electron shell and thus a stable nuclear number.
• D) Because ³¹P is one of the few unstable isotopes of one of the smaller elements.
• E) It is not; the nuclear binding energy becomes greater for heavier elements.

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Definitions:

Large Intestine

Organ that receives digestive waste from the small intestine and concentrates it as feces.

Mouth

The opening in an animal's body that is the beginning of the digestive tract, through which food is ingested.

Brush Border

A microvillar structure that lines the intestine's absorptive cells, enhancing the surface area for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Microvilli

Microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase the surface area for absorption, especially in the epithelial cells of the small intestine.