Question

If m, $m_n$ and $m_p$ are the masses of ${}_Z{X}^A$ nucleus, neutron and proton respectively, then which of the following is correct?

• A. $m<(A-Z)m_n+Z{m}_p$
• B. $m=(A-Z)m_n+Z{m}_p$
• C. Mass defect $\Delta m$ is converted into binding energy
• D. $m>(A-Z)m_n+Z{m}_p$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A

$m<(A-Z)m_n+Z{m}_p$

C

Mass defect $\Delta m$ is converted into binding energy

The mass of the nucleus formed is always less than the sum of the masses of the constituent protons and neutrons i.e. $m<(A-Z)m_n+Z{m}_p$.

Mass defect $\Delta m$ is converted into binding energy.