Binding energy is the energy required to disassemble a whole system into separate parts, and it is a measure of the stability of a nucleus. It represents the energy equivalent of the mass defect, the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its constituent protons and neutrons.

Binding Energy

Binding energy

energy required to disassemble a whole system

separate parts

measure of the stability of a nucleus

energy equivalent of the mass defect

Mass defect refers to the difference between the mass of an atomic nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons, highlighting the conversion of some mass into binding energy during nucleus formation. This phenomenon underpins the principle of nuclear reactions, where the mass defect is directly related to the energy released or absorbed, as described by Einstein's equation E=mc².

mass defect

difference between the mass of the nucleus

sum of the masses of its constituent protons and neutrons

constituent protons and neutrons

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