What do you mean by binding energy ? Explain the significance of binding energy per nucleon in the stability of nucleus.

Explanation

Binding energy, ft fs defined as the energy equivalent to mass defect of the nucleus.
Or
It is the amount of work done to separate the nucleons infinite distance apart from each other so that they can not interact with each other.
Binding energy per nucleon .The binding energy divided by the mass number of the nucleus is known as binding energy per nucleon.
Or
It is the average energy required to extract one nucleon from the nucleus.
B.E per nucleon \(B.E)/(A=Mass Number)`
Significance: Binding energy per nucleon describes the stability of the nucleus. Larger the binding energy per nucleon, larger will be its stability.