Binding energy between nucleons vs BE inside nucleons

In summary, the binding of a nucleus is due to the negative binding energy and this is shown by the semi-empirical mass formula. The mass of a hadron is bigger then the sum of the three quark masses due to the dynamical quarks.
  • #1
alexbib
62
0
humm, I've been wondering:

the mass of a nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of the constituent nucleons because of the binding energy. This is how we can get energy out of fusion and fission events.

on the other hand, the mass of a proton or a neutron is MORE than the sum of the masses of the constituent quarks.

Afaik, both the binding of a nucleus and the binding of a proton are consequences of the strong force, so how come one type of binding increases the mass while the other type decreases it?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
come on, nobody knows?
 
  • #3
Well the case of the nucleus mass being smaller then the constituent nuclei is indeed due to the negative binding energy. This is shown by the semi-empirical mass formula. The nucleon-nucleon potential becomes repulsive at very short distances.

Now, let us look inside a nucleon :

The sum of the constituent quarkmasses is much smaller then the mass of the hadron. The extra mass comes from the potential and kinetic energy of the quarks and also from dynamical quarks.

For example the proton contains three valence quarks of three different colours (red, green and blue), but it also contains dynamical (sea) quarks. These are quark-antiquark pairs that appear and disappear through energy fluctuations in the vacuum.

These dynamical quarkpairs will generate mass. The mass of a hadron is bigger then the sum of the masses of the constituent quarks (the three quarks of the proton). But the dynamical quarks also generate mass (via symmetry breaking) , so in the end the mass of a proton is BIGGER then the sum of the three quark masses.

Keep in mind that the three quarks are confined, yielding a rise in their linear potential (dominant in the long range). Once a certain distance is exceeded there is enough energy to create a quark antiquark pair


marlon
 
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  • #4
ps check out the link in the latest entry of my journal

marlon

https://www.physicsforums.com/journal.php?s=&journalid=13790&action=view
 
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  • #5
Alright, it does indeed make sense.
Thanks a lot!
 

What is binding energy between nucleons?

Binding energy between nucleons refers to the amount of energy needed to break apart the nucleus of an atom into its individual nucleons (protons and neutrons).

What is BE inside nucleons?

BE inside nucleons, also known as nuclear binding energy, refers to the amount of energy that holds the individual nucleons together within the nucleus of an atom.

What is the difference between binding energy between nucleons and BE inside nucleons?

The main difference between binding energy between nucleons and BE inside nucleons is that binding energy between nucleons is the energy required to break apart the nucleus, while BE inside nucleons is the energy that holds the nucleus together. It is essentially the opposite process.

How are binding energy between nucleons and BE inside nucleons related to each other?

Binding energy between nucleons and BE inside nucleons are directly related to each other. As the binding energy between nucleons increases, so does BE inside nucleons. This means that the stronger the binding energy between nucleons, the more tightly bound the nucleons are within the nucleus.

Why is understanding binding energy between nucleons and BE inside nucleons important in nuclear physics?

Understanding binding energy between nucleons and BE inside nucleons is important in nuclear physics because it helps us understand the stability and energy levels of different atoms and isotopes. It also plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions and the formation of elements in stars.

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