Binding energy per nucleon

[reising1]

As mass number increases, the binding energy per nucleon generally increases (until Iron), and then decreases.

This statement is given in Examkrackers.

What is a nucleon? What is binding energy? What is this all about? Why does it increase until Iron, and then decrease?

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[ClemsonFirst]

Nucleon is just a particle that makes up the nucleus. This probably just helps to explain why the smaller elements tend to have about a 1:1 ratio of protons and neutrons while the larger atoms have more neutrons than protons. Binding energy is the energy to keep the nucleons in the nucleus.

I wouldn't worry too much about memorizing this trend since it most likely won't be explicitly asked about on the exam.