Question

One requires energy ${E_n}$ to remove a nucleon and Energy ${E_e}$ to remove an electron from the orbit of an atom, then:
(A) ${E_n} = {E_e}$
(B) ${E_n} < {E_e}$
(C) ${E_n} > {E_e}$
(D) ${E_n} \geqslant {E_e}$

Answer 1

Hint: Separation energy is the energy needed to remove a nucleon from an atomic nucleus known as binding energy of the nucleus. Electron separation energy is the energy required to remove an electron from the atom. Nuclear forces are greater than the forces of attraction operating between the electron and nucleus that are also known as coulombic forces.

Complete answer:
As we know that in atom protons and neutrons are packed together in a very small space in the nucleus. There must be some forces of attraction between these particles to maintain the stability of the nucleus. These forces of attraction that bind the protons and neutrons in a nucleus together are termed as nuclear forces which is denoted by ${{E}_{n}}$ . While on the other hand there are also strong repulsive forces which tend to push them away from each other but nuclear forces are strong enough to keep them together. The coulombic forces of attraction, which is denoted by ${{E}_{e}}$ are not enough to hold particles inside atoms. Coulombic forces of attraction are long range forces on the other hand nuclear forces are short range forces. Nuclear forces come into play within a small distance.
Since the nuclear forces are stronger in magnitude so more amount of energy is required to remove a nucleon than the energy required to remove an electron from the orbit, that is ${E_n} > {E_e}$ .
Hence option (C) is the correct answer.

Note: The energy required to remove a nucleon, which is proton or a neutron, form an atom is much more than the energy required to remove and electron from an atom, because the coulombic forces of attraction experienced by the nucleon and electrons is much less than the nuclear forces between the nucleons.