Mass Defect, Binding Energy, and Nuclear Stability (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards

Difference between expected & actual nucleus mass

Less than (mass defect is always positive)

Energy equivalent of mass defect ($E=mc^2$)

$E = mc^2$ (mass defect × speed of light squared)

Energy to separate nucleus into individual nucleons

Higher binding energy = more stable nucleus

Iron-56 (peak of binding energy curve)

Light nuclei combine to form heavier, more stable nuclei

Heavy nuclei split into lighter, more stable fragments

Products have higher binding energy per nucleon

Products more stable than original heavy nucleus

$1.672 \times 10^{-27}$ kg

$1.674 \times 10^{-27}$ kg

$3.0 \times 10^{8}$ m/s