Question

Why is nuclear binding energy released?

Answer 1

Mass defect: When a nucleus is formed, energy is released. This energy is removed in the form of a reduction in total mass. This missing mass is known as the 'mass defect' and it accounts for the energy released.

Nuclear binding energy is released due to the following reasons: -

1. The mass of the items being bound provides the binding energy inside an atomic nucleus (and in everything, actually).
2. The deuteron, the second most basic atomic nucleus, is a bonded state comprising a single proton and a single neutron.
3. Nuclear energy is released when the nucleus of such massive atoms splits.
4. Compared to, say, the chemical reactions triggered by the combustion of gas or oil, it involves far stronger forces. But due to its power, this energy needs to be controlled and managed using sophisticated methods.
5. The energy generated when individual nucleons condense to form the hypothetical nucleus is known as nuclear binding energy.
6. As a result, the binding energy per nucleon equals total binding energy. the quantity of nucleons, As an illustration, the mass of an atom of hydrogen is the product of the masses of a proton and an electron.
7. Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission both have the potential to liberate the binding energy that is present when light and heavy nuclei combine. This energy may be made available as nuclear energy and used to build a nuclear weapon or to generate electricity through nuclear power.