The binding energy per nucleon for most nuclides doesn€™t vary much (see Fig. 43.2). Is there similar consistency in the atomic energy of atoms, on an €œenergy per electron€ basis? If so, why? If not, why not?

Fig.43.2

ER/A (MeV/nucleon) Ni 238U 92 {He The curve reaches a peak of about 8.8 MeV/nucleon at A = 62, corresponding to the element nickel. The spike at A = 4 shows the unusual stability of the He structure. 50 100 150 200 250 6. 4) 3.