
Why is Iron the most stable element?
Answer
420.3k+ views
1 likes
Hint: Stability means that the given atom or molecule is stable and exists like this only in nature. The stability may be the chemical stability, structural stability or the nuclear stability. In a periodic table the noble gases are regarded as the most stable in terms of chemical stability and not in terms of structural or nuclear stability.
Complete answer:
Iron is the most stable element in terms of structural stability and in terms of nuclear stability but not in terms of the chemical stability. However iron- is the most stable isotope and not all forms of iron. The reason could be found in the binding energy and mass per nucleon.
The binding energy per nucleon is the energy required to break the atom into its sub atomic particles i.e., breaking an atom to its subatomic parts like electrons, protons, neutrons, neutrino, muons, leptons, hardrons, mesons, baryons, hyperons, alpha particles, and many more. The binding energy calculated for iron- was found to be MeV. This is the highest of all the atoms present till date. Much higher than helium which is a noble gas.
Another reason for the stability could be the mass defect or mass per nucleon. Iron- isotope has the lowest mass defect till date found to be.
Note:
The binding energy per nucleon and the mass defect are two other criteria of stability other than the reactive stability. Noble gases are said to be stable as they do not react normally. But iron does. But if we take into account the above mentioned two criteria, iron- is found to be more stable than the noble gases.
Complete answer:
Iron is the most stable element in terms of structural stability and in terms of nuclear stability but not in terms of the chemical stability. However iron-
The binding energy per nucleon is the energy required to break the atom into its sub atomic particles i.e., breaking an atom to its subatomic parts like electrons, protons, neutrons, neutrino, muons, leptons, hardrons, mesons, baryons, hyperons, alpha particles, and many more. The binding energy calculated for iron-
Another reason for the stability could be the mass defect or mass per nucleon. Iron-
Note:
The binding energy per nucleon and the mass defect are two other criteria of stability other than the reactive stability. Noble gases are said to be stable as they do not react normally. But iron does. But if we take into account the above mentioned two criteria, iron-
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 7 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 7 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹45,300 per year
EMI starts from ₹3,775 per month
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 11 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Trending doubts
1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

What is the technique used to separate the components class 11 chemistry CBSE

Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

Give two reasons to justify a Water at room temperature class 11 chemistry CBSE
