Binding energy

Definition

Binding energy is the energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its component protons and neutrons. It is a measure of the stability of a nucleus and is equivalent to the mass defect of the nucleus.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Binding energy per nucleon typically peaks for iron-56, making it one of the most stable nuclei.
2. The binding energy can be calculated using Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula $E = \Delta m c^2$.
3. In nuclear reactions, differences in binding energy between reactants and products are responsible for the release or absorption of energy.
4. Higher binding energies generally indicate more stable nuclei.
5. Nuclear fission and fusion processes both involve changes in nuclear binding energy, leading to massive releases of energy.

Review Questions

• What is the relationship between mass defect and binding energy?
• Why is iron-56 considered one of the most stable nuclei?
• How does binding energy relate to nuclear fission and fusion?

Related terms

Mass Defect:

The difference between the mass of a fully assembled nucleus and the sum of its individual nucleons' masses.

Nuclear Fusion:

A process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing significant amounts of energy due to changes in binding energy.

Nuclear Fission:

A process where a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, along with a few neutrons and a large release of energy due to differences in binding energy.