A - uranium
B - iron
C - plutonium
D - hydrogen
2006-07-14 16:18:58 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Most previous answers to this question are not correct. Although the hydrogen nucleus has the least mass, the question pertains to nucleons. Because of the binding energy (strong force), nucleons in iron-56 have the least mass, specifically 0.998882 amu, as opposed to the hydrogen atom nucleon [proton], which is at 1.007825 amu. Hence, the correct answer is B - iron. Elements heavier than iron, in particular uranium and plutionium, have less binding energy per nucleon, which is why these elements can fission. The fact that iron has the highest binding force makes it the end result of thermonuclear processes in stars, and explains why there is so much of it.
2006-07-14 20:14:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
According to the article in Wikipedia, a nucleon is either a proton or a neutron. The mass therefore is at least the mass of the nucleus of a hydrogen atom.
However, a nucleon could also be a neutron. A neutron will eventually decay to a proton and an electron. And according to the periodic chart of the elements and any chemistry book that carries the mass of a neutron will bear this out:
A nucleon has a mass no more than an entire hydrogen atom.
2006-07-14 23:30:43 · answer #2 · answered by eric l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the question is asking which is the least massive nucleus. The hydrogen nucleus of a single proton has a mass of 1.007825. But Uranium 232 has a mass of 232.037 for its 92 protons and 140 neutrons. The average mass of a nucleon in the nucleus of U232 is less than the mass of the average nucleon in the nucleus of hydrogen.
To answer the question, you'd need to look at all the isotopes of each element and find the smallest average. Too much work for me.
2006-07-14 23:55:12 · answer #3 · answered by Jim H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nucleon has the least mass in the nucleus of HYDROGEN. A nucleon is simply a particle that is found in the nucleus ie a proton or neutron
2006-07-14 23:21:12 · answer #4 · answered by Auriga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While hydrogen would definitely have the smallest atom, due to; the lone proton in the nucleus, a nucleon can have lower masses in different elements and at different temperatures approaching plasma. I would think that due to the fact that plutonium and uranium are radioactive elements and would survice the highest temperatures prior to vapourization that that those are the elements with the least possible mass in the nucleus. did i answer or confused you more?
2006-07-15 01:03:10 · answer #5 · answered by morpheus maximus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen
2006-07-14 23:20:49 · answer #6 · answered by dvm2b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen. Only 1 proton in nucleus so must have least mass.
2006-07-14 23:56:41 · answer #7 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
D - Hydrogen
2006-07-14 23:20:16 · answer #8 · answered by SkyWayGuy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen. It is the simplest element!
2006-07-14 23:59:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
offcoarse hydrogen
2006-07-14 23:32:01 · answer #10 · answered by ghulamalimurtaza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋