Question

Write short notes on nuclear binding energy.

Answer 1

Binding Energy:

1. The particles present in the nucleus (protons and neutrons) are called nucleons.
2. The sum of the individual mass of various particles in the nucleus must be equal to the nuclear mass.
3. But this is not so. The nuclear mass is somewhat less than the sum of the individual masses of various nuclear particles.
4. The mass defect is the difference between the actual nuclear mass and the expected nuclear mass (sum of the individual masses of nuclear particles).
5. The mass defect can be converted into equivalent energy by means of Einstein's equation ($E=m{c}^2$).

The energy equivalent to mass defect is responsible for holding the nucleons together and is called the binding energy of the nucleus.