Nuclear Binding Energy (wikipedia is confusing)

In summary: Nuclei are made up of protons and neutron, but the mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of the individual masses of the protons and neutrons which constitute it. The difference is a measure of the nuclear binding energy which holds the nucleus together.In summary, nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts. This energy is measured as a difference in rest mass and is caused by the strong nuclear force and the repulsive electrical force between nucleons. Both definitions provided are correct, with the first one being more modern.
  • #1
hms.tech
247
0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_binding_energy

What is nuclear binding energy ?

Here are two possible answers according to the Wikipedia page :
1.Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts.
2.Nuclei are made up of protons and neutron, but the mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of the individual masses of the protons and neutrons which constitute it. The difference is a measure of the nuclear binding energy which holds the nucleus together.

Which one is it ?
Or
are both of them trying to tell the same thing ?
 
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  • #3
They are the same thing. The energy of a nucleus is less than the total energy of the individual nucleons, since the bound nucleus has lower potential energy. This energy difference is measurable as a difference in rest mass via ##E=mc^2##. If you want to split the nucleus apart, you need to add in enough energy to make up the difference.
 
  • #4
Am I correct in thinking that this lowering of potential energy is caused by the strong nuclear force between any two nucleons ?
 
  • #5
The (repulsive) electrical force also contributes to the binding energy. The binding energy is smaller than it would be if the nuclear force were the only one acting. This is what makes very heavy nuclei unstable: the electrical repulsion eventually overcomes the attraction of the nuclear force, when the number of protons is large enough.
 
  • #6
jtbell said:
The (repulsive) electrical force also contributes to the binding energy. The binding energy is smaller than it would be if the nuclear force were the only one acting.

It would probably be less confusing to phrase that as, "The (repulsive) electrical force also detracts from the binding energy."
 
  • #7
Correction accepted. :smile:

I tend to think of "contribute" as being either positive or negative, but I can see this might be confusing.
 
  • #8
I understand, thank you

In summary both definitions are correct , its just that this one
Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts.

is more modern (new)
 

1. What is nuclear binding energy?

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to hold the nucleus of an atom together. It is the difference in mass between an atom's separate protons and neutrons, and its combined mass. This energy is responsible for the stability of atoms.

2. How is nuclear binding energy calculated?

Nuclear binding energy is calculated using the famous formula E=mc², where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. In the context of nuclear binding energy, the mass used is the difference in mass between a nucleus and its separate protons and neutrons. This mass difference is then multiplied by the speed of light squared to calculate the binding energy.

3. What factors affect nuclear binding energy?

The two main factors that affect nuclear binding energy are the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus, and the strength of the nuclear force that holds them together. Nuclei with a higher number of protons and neutrons tend to have a higher binding energy, while a stronger nuclear force will also result in a higher binding energy.

4. Why is nuclear binding energy important?

Nuclear binding energy plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions and nuclear power. When nuclei undergo reactions, the difference in binding energy between the reactants and the products determines the amount of energy released or absorbed. In nuclear power, the energy released from nuclear reactions is harnessed to generate electricity.

5. What are some applications of nuclear binding energy?

Aside from nuclear power, nuclear binding energy has various other applications. It is used in nuclear medicine, such as in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Additionally, nuclear binding energy is also used in nuclear weapons, where the release of a large amount of binding energy leads to a powerful explosion.

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