TABLE OF CONTENTS

MASS DEFECT:

The total mass of a nucleus  is less than the  total mass of the nucleons  that make up the nucleus. This is known as a mass defect.The mass defect or mass difference is given by

According to Einstein’s special theory of relativity, mass is the measure of  the total energy of a system.

NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGY:

It is the minimum energy that would be required to disassemble the nucleus of an atom into its constituent protons and neutrons.(see the image).

Larger binding energy per nucleon means greater work is required to remove the nucleons from the nucleus.  Binding energy is a measure the stability of the nucleus.

BINDING ENERGY PER NUCLEON:

Binding energy per nucleon is determined by dividing the total binding energy per mass number.

NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGY CURVE:

HOW TO CALCULATE BINDING ENERGY PER NUCLEON?

CONCLUSION

Understanding the stability and energy of the nucleus requires knowledge of the subject of « Mass defect and binding energy per nucleon. »The mass defect is the difference between the total mass of a nucleus and the total mass of the nucleons that compose it.The nuclear force that controls the stability of the nucleus is measured in terms of binding energy per nucleon.The result of calculating the binding energy of a nucleus is the energy released or needed to create a nucleus.For a wide range of disciplines, such as nuclear physics, chemistry, and energy production, understanding the ideas is crucial.In general, it is crucial to how we comprehend how atomic nuclei and their products behave.