Question

Define the mass defect and binding energy of nucleus. 
 

Hint:

The mass defect is related to the binding energy, which can be found using Einstein's famous equation, \( E = mc^2 \).

Answer 1

- Mass defect: The mass defect is the difference between the mass of a fully assembled nucleus and the sum of the individual masses of its constituent protons and neutrons. It represents the mass converted into energy during the formation of the nucleus. \[ \text{Mass Defect} = \left( \text{sum of masses of individual nucleons} \right) - \text{mass of the nucleus}. \] - Binding energy: The binding energy of a nucleus is the energy required to break it apart into its constituent nucleons (protons and neutrons). It is equal to the energy equivalent of the mass defect. \[ E_b = \Delta m \cdot c^2, \] where \( \Delta m \) is the mass defect, and \( c \) is the speed of light.