Is the mass of an atomic nucleus greater or less than the sum of the masses of the nucleons composing it? Why don't the nucleon masses add up to the total nuclear mass?
A)Greater.We need to add the masses of the surrounding electrons to the masses of the nucleons.
B)Neither.The mass of the atomic nucleus is exactly the sum of the masses of the nucleons.
C)Less.The individual nucleons have greater mass when separated from the nucleus.This additional mass is a result of the energy of separation.
D)Greater.The mass of the atomic nucleus also has mass of the "atomic glue" that holds the nucleons together in the nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass of an atomic nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of the nucleons composing it because when nucleons (protons and neutrons) bind together to form a nucleus, energy is released. This energy release, according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2, corresponds to a loss of mass. This phenomenon is known as the mass defect, and it explains why the nucleons have greater mass when they are separated than when they are bound together in a nucleus.

Is the Mass of an Atomic Nucleus Greater or Less