Which statement accurately describes the binding energy of a nucleus?
A)It is the difference between the masses of separated nucleons and the mass of a nucleus, converted into energy.
B)It is the energy required for a nucleus to bond nucleons.
C)It is equal to the mass of nucleons when converted into energy.
D)It is the difference between the mass of the atom and the mass of the electrons, converted into energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The binding energy of a nucleus is indeed the difference between the masses of the separated nucleons (protons and neutrons when they are not bound together in a nucleus) and the mass of the nucleus itself, with this mass difference being converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2. This energy represents the work required to disassemble the nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons.

Which Statement Accurately Describes the Binding Energy of a Nucleus