1. Consider the binding energy per nucleon for 16-O and 56-Fe. Would you expect the fusion reactions leading from 16-O to 56-Fe to be exoergic (giving off energy), endoergic (absorbing energy), or neither?
2. Consider the binding energy per nucleon for 56-Fe and 208-Pb. Would you expect the fusion reactions leading from 56-Fe to 208-Pb to be exoergic, endoergic, or neither?
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To determine whether fusion reactions are exoergic (giving off energy), endoergic (absorbing energy), or neither, we need to compare the binding energies per nucleon of the reactants and the products.
1. For the fusion reaction from 16-O to 56-Fe, we compare the binding energy per nucleon of 16-O (oxygen-16) and 56-Fe (iron-56). The binding energy per nucleon is the total binding energy of the nucleus divided by the number of nucleons in the nucleus.
To find this information, you can consult a nuclear physics database or refer to published tables that provide the binding energy per nucleon for various atomic nuclei. One common source is the Atomic Mass Evaluation database, which is available online.
Once you have the binding energy per nucleon values for 16-O and 56-Fe, you compare them. If the binding energy per nucleon of 56-Fe is higher than that of 16-O, it means that 56-Fe has a higher stability per nucleon. In this case, the fusion reaction from 16-O to 56-Fe would be exoergic since the final nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon, indicating greater stability.
2. Similarly, for the fusion reaction from 56-Fe to 208-Pb (lead-208), you need to compare the binding energy per nucleon of 56-Fe and 208-Pb. Again, consult a nuclear physics database or published tables to obtain these values.
Compare the binding energies per nucleon for 56-Fe and 208-Pb. If the binding energy per nucleon of 208-Pb is higher than that of 56-Fe, it means that 208-Pb has a higher stability per nucleon. In this case, the fusion reaction from 56-Fe to 208-Pb would also be exoergic since the final nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon, indicating greater stability.
Remember that these conclusions assume a closed-shell nucleus, and interactions between nucleons may play a role in determining the kinetic energy requirements for fusion reactions. These conclusions are based solely on binding energy per nucleon.
If you provide the specific binding energy per nucleon values for 16-O, 56-Fe, and 208-Pb, I can give you a more specific answer.