The average binding energy of a nucleon inside an atomic nucleus is about 8 MeV (Mega-electron volts).

Explanation:
- The binding energy of a nucleon refers to the energy required to separate a nucleon from the atomic nucleus. It represents the strength of the nuclear force that holds the nucleus together.
- The binding energy is typically measured in electron volts (eV) or in larger units such as kilo-electron volts (keV) or mega-electron volts (MeV).
- In this case, the given answer is in MeV, which is a common unit for measuring nuclear energies.
- The average binding energy of a nucleon inside an atomic nucleus can be calculated by dividing the total binding energy of the nucleus by the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons).
- The average binding energy is influenced by the nuclear force, which is attractive and acts between nucleons, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between protons.
- The nuclear force is a short-range force that becomes stronger as nucleons get closer together, reaching a maximum at a certain separation distance.
- As nucleons are added to the nucleus, the average binding energy per nucleon increases, indicating a more stable and tightly bound nucleus.
- This increase in binding energy is due to the dominance of the attractive nuclear force over the electrostatic repulsion as the number of nucleons in the nucleus increases.
- The average binding energy per nucleon reaches a maximum value for nuclei in the range of iron, nickel, and cobalt, which are the most stable elements found in nature.
- For elements lighter than iron, the average binding energy per nucleon increases as the number of nucleons increases. For elements heavier than iron, the average binding energy per nucleon decreases.
- Therefore, the average binding energy of a nucleon inside an atomic nucleus is about 8 MeV.