Mass Defect

Definition

Mass defect refers to the difference in mass between a nucleus and its individual protons and neutrons. It is caused by the conversion of some mass into binding energy during the formation of the nucleus.

Related terms

Nuclear Fusion:

A process where two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.

Nuclear Fission:

The splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy.

Conservation of Mass-Energy: The principle that states that mass and energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only be converted from one form to another.