What is Binding energy: Definition and 262 Discussions

In physics and chemistry, binding energy is the smallest amount of energy required to remove a particle from a system of particles or to disassemble a system of particles into individual parts. In the former meaning the term is predominantly used in condensed matter physics, atomic physics, and chemistry, whereas in nuclear physics the term separation energy is used.
A bound system is typically at a lower energy level than its unbound constituents. According to relativity theory, a ΔE decrease in the total energy of a system is accompanied by a decrease ΔM in the total mass, where ΔM⋅c2=ΔE.

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  1. hongseok

    I Why the binding energy per nucleon has specific pattern?

    The binding energy per nucleon for each element has a specific pattern. It increases from hydrogen to iron and then decreases again. What is the fundamental reason why the binding energy per nucleon has this pattern? According to my investigation, the range of action of the strong force is...
  2. S

    Is my understanding of nuclear fusion and binding energy correct?

    Binding energy- the amount of energy required to dissemble the nucleus High binding energy means that the nucleus is very tightly bound, whereas a low binding energy means the nucleus is weakly bound. The nuclear strong force acts at a very short range whereas the Coulomb force is infinite...
  3. P

    I Energy released calculation using Binding energy and mass defect

    Consider the equation X (200, 50) + n (1, 0) -> Y (120, 30) + Z (70, 20) + 11 n(1, 0) Let p be the mass of a proton, n be the mass of a neutron. BE(X) = [50p + 150n - M(X)] c^2 BE(Y) = [30p + 90n - M(Y)] c^2 BE(Z) = [20p + 50n - M(Z)]c^2 The energy released when using BE (products) - BE...
  4. Dileep Ramisetty

    B The Effect of Binding Energy on Mass

    Starting to explore quantum mechanics, I read strong nuclear force that binds protons and neutron together in nucleus of atom, gives atom its mass. More binding energy means more mass of atom. Hence the query that, for example there are two magnets having a force F1. And we have the same size...
  5. sliqu

    I Vanadium oxide oxidation states binding energy -- unequal spacing

    Hello, How come in XPS the binding energy gaps between oxidation states of vanadium oxide are not equally spaced? Is there a reason they are not all equally spaced? V2+ (VO) 513.0 eV V3+ (V2O3) 515.6 eV V4+ (VO2) 516.0 eV V5+ (V2O5) 517.1 eV Many thanks
  6. Leo Liu

    Binding energy and nuclear fission

    If I am not mistaken, binding energy is the energy required to separate the constituents of the nucleus, and is always a positive number. However, if splitting elementary particles in the nucleus apart requires energy, then why do fission reactions release energy?
  7. R

    The binding energy per nucleon of tritium

    Hi, I know from conservation of energy that ##E_i = E_f## Thus, ## M_h c^2 + binding energy = M_{he}c^2+ M_e c^2 + K = M_{he}c^2 + 0.5 MeV + 0.0186 MeV## If I'm right I have to find ##M_{he}c^2##, but something is missing in my understanding, since I don't see how to find that mass energy...
  8. leminn

    Binding energy per nucleon of the nucleus

    How exactly would it then be calculated? Here's what I have tried: proton mass: 1.007276 amu Neutron mass: 1.008665 amu Sulphur-34 mass: 33.9678668 amu Calculation: 1.##(16\cdot1.007276)+(18\cdot1.008665)+(16 \cdot0.000549)=34.28117## 2.##34.28117-33.9678668=0.3133032## 3. 1 atomic mass...
  9. jjson775

    What is the Isobar Binding Energy and How Does it Affect Atom Masses?

  10. MagneticNeutron

    Semi-Empirical Mass and E=mc^2 close, but both off? Binding Energy calc

    Hi, I am calculating the binding energy of 11- Na- 18 Stats: Table of nuclides has BE/A = 6.202276 ± 0.006249 MeV m used = 18.026878252 amu E= mc^2 answer = 5.894327537620224 MeV Semi Empirical Answer = 5.919667778950925 MeV Including excess mass in E = mc^2 method 1 - Calculate...
  11. M

    Understanding Nuclear Stability: The Role of Binding Energy

    This is an example from my textbook that I am having trouble understanding. So the binding energy of Beryllium-8 is positive 56.6 MeV, so it means the nuclide is stable, right? My textbook seems to use the reference of positive binding energy as being stable. And so that means alpha decay for...
  12. A

    I Exploring the Relationship Between Binding Energy and Distance in Nuclei

    I always read that the weight of the protons and neutrons forming a nucleus is less than the weight of them if counted as standalone particles, the difference being the "mass defect" which goes into the binding energy to hold the nucleus together. So I have two questions. 1) The elementary...
  13. Stephen Bulking

    I The Tritium Puzzle: Unravelling Mass-Energy Equivalence

    I was finding the energy required to separate tritium into it's component parts, the binding energy when it hit me that how could 1amu= 931.2 MeV and 1.66e-27 kg at the same time?
  14. S

    I Breaking an atom down in it's components.

    Good day, I have a question about breaking an atom down in it's components. For an example we have a neutral 4-helium atom. The helium atom have a nucleus which contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Around the nucleus of the helium atom 2 electron orbits in the k-shell (according to Bohr's...
  15. A

    I Less binding energy, increased atom energy?

    I'm a bit confused as to what is meant by Professor Simon in is textbook Oxforc Solid State Basics. I attached a photo of the page (number 213). Here is my confusion: "In this case, the electrons see the full charge of the nucleus and bind more strongly, thus lowering their energies." Binding...
  16. B

    Unlocking Binding Energy Solutions for Part C)ii - Tips and Strategies

    Here is the question: Stuck on how to complete part c)ii Here is what I have done so far as well as trying to answer part c)ii Any help would be appreciated! Thanks
  17. Arman777

    Deriving the gravitational binding energy of the cluster

    I am trying to derive the gravitational binding energy of the cluster. Its given as $$U = -\alpha \frac{GM^2}{r}$$ Now for the derivation I started from $$dU = -\frac{GM(r)dm}{r}$$ I I tried to write ##dm = \rho(r)4 \pi r^2dr## and do it from there but I could not do much. Any ideas how can...
  18. S

    Correct statement regarding the graph of binding energy per nucleon

    Option A is correct because the graph increases sharply at lower nucleon number Option B is correct because higher binding energy per nucleon means more stable Option C is correct because either fusion or fission will bring the product to Q So my guess the answer is D but I do not understand...
  19. A

    B Analysis of Fusion & Fission by Binding Energy

    In fusion reactions, lighter nuclei are combined into heavier ones (atomic mass increases); so the direction is from left to right (shown on the diagram). Therefore, in the fusion of 'light elements' the total final binding energy is higher (the related arrow points upward); so ##B_2-B_1>0## and...
  20. A

    B Nuclear Binding Energy: Is my understanding correct?

    The binding energy of a nucleus is the energy of the strong force, minus the disruptive energy due to the Coulomb force. Thus, to illustrate the curve of binding energy per nucleon, we can combine both of the diagrams above: https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/3-jpg.248607/...
  21. A

    Binding energy or Kinetic energy?

    Summary: I always confuse Binding Energy with Released Energy in such processes. Which one comes from mass defect? For example in a Deuterium-Tritium fusion two nuclei with lower binding energy converse to He-4 with much higher binding energy (and a neutron). The released energy is 17.6 MeV...
  22. B

    Conceptual question about binding energy, from OCR paper

    https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/471908-question-paper-unit-h556-02-exploring-physics.pdf 24 A right near the end there is energy relased in this reaction of nuclear fusion but they want the binding energy per nucleon does that mean the binding energy released, as a gamma photon, per nucleon of the...
  23. V

    I Binding energy, fusion and fission

    Hi. My high school physics book doesn't elaborate the idea of binding energy and how it's related to fissions and fuisions adequately in a way that made me have wrong thoughts about these ideas. What i understand after doing some research is that: - Binding energy is the energy that has to be...
  24. B

    Binding energy and excited nucleus question

    this is from a website on why gamma rays are released what i don't understand is, why is the mass defect lead to a gamma radiation to be formed. If the nucleus is excited and dexcites the change in energy levels would cause a photon to be released. yet here it says the mass defect is the source...
  25. A

    B The difference in the binding energy per nucleon

    if binding energy per nucleon is proportional to the number of nucleons in the range of the nuclear force. then why is the binding energy for carbon 12 higher than nitrogen 14
  26. K

    Relationship between coulomb energy and binding energy

    which relationship exists between the coloumb energy and binding energy
  27. C

    I Confusion on binding energy and ionization energy.

    1) I know that the binding energy is the energy that holds a nucleus together ( which equals to the mass defect E = mc2 ). But what does it mean when we are talking about binding energy of an electron ( eg. binding energy = -Z2R/n2 ? ). Some website saying that " binding energy = - ionization...
  28. Krushnaraj Pandya

    Variation in mass and binding energy in nuclear reactions

    Homework Statement I'm perpetually confused keeping track of the energetics of a nuclear reaction and I broke down my conceptual questions into the following parts statement a-In a fission reaction, the two medium sized daughter nuclei each have more binding energy per nucleon than the original...
  29. Krushnaraj Pandya

    Calculating Binding Energy for C13 Neutron Removal

    Homework Statement My textbook says the binding energy per nucleon is the energy needed to remove one nucleon from the nucleus, In a subsequent numerical which is as follows "The binding energy per nucleon for C12 is 7.68 MeV and that for C13 is 7.47 MeV. Calculate the energy required to remove...
  30. Krushnaraj Pandya

    What is the Sign of Binding Energy for a Hydrogen-Like Atom?

    Homework Statement Is the binding energy for a hydrogen like atom equal to the total energy (negative) or the negative of the total energy (thus positive)? 2. The attempt at a solution I found varying answers and definitions, some places said binding energy's the energy required to disassemble...
  31. GabrielLight

    I About gravitational binding energy and kinetic energy

    If a celestial body's kinetic energy (say, the Moon's) surpassed the energy necessary to exceed the gravitational binding energy (GBE), would said body break apart because of it? For example, the Moon is currently orbiting the Earth at a speed of 1020 meters per second, giving it a kinetic...
  32. J

    Nuclear Reactions & Binding Energy

    Homework Statement A proton of kinetic energy 0.42 x 10-11 J is fired at a stationary oxygen-18 which has a binding energy of 2.35 x 10-11 J. This reaction produces flourine-18 of binding energy 2.30 x 10-11 J with the production of a neutron and gamma ray. Q1) Explain why the high energy...
  33. itssilva

    A Gravitational binding energy and the TOV limit

    Disclaimer: to avoid giving the impression of speculative nature, I state the purpose of this thread is only to conflate known theory with my own understanding in a specific point and clarify where the disagreement lies; that is all. TOV limit: since early research in black hole (BH) formation...
  34. alijan kk

    Negative Sign of Binding Energy & Its Impact on Electron Energy in Bohr Orbits

    Energy of electron in nth Bohr orbit. En= -13.6 ev n2 what does this negative sign mean here ? and why the electron has less energy as we increase n ,, explain me with the help of electric fields and coulumbs law. :
  35. J

    I Binding Energy: Exploring How Nucleons Become Heavier

    So we have a nucleus. Let's say its a helium nucleus. If I want to split this nucleus into its constituent nucleons, I must do work against the strong force which is holding it together. Now that I have done the work, the particles are no longer bound. I have done work against the strong force...
  36. T

    Semi-emperical mass equation

    Homework Statement Q: With reference to the semi-emprical mass formula, explain why one binding energy is greater than the other? The element in question is ##^6 L_i## & ##^7L_i## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution So far from what I have read I think the part of the equation they are...
  37. Assaltwaffle

    I Star Gravitational Binding Energy Questions

    Hello everyone! I am a moderator over at the VS Battles Wiki, and I have some questions I believe one of y'all can answer. Basically the question is: how much energy does it take to destroy a star? We find this with GBE, but I have some questions as to calculating this value. As far as I am...
  38. J

    What is the true nature of binding energy in a nucleus?

    Homework Statement This is not really a homework question -just something I realized I don't understand. I am confused about binding energy of a nucleus. I understand that the definition of binding energy is the energy required to completely separate the protons and neutrons in the nucleus...
  39. H

    I Why is binding energy called binding energy?

    Nuclear binding energy is the energy that would be required to disassemble the nucleus of an atom into its component parts. If book-binding cost is the cost required to bind a book, then shouldn't nuclear binding energy be the energy required to bind a nucleus? Given the definition above...
  40. zonde

    I Binding energy in QM and in GR

    I would like to ask rather general question. Can a binding energy of some QM process at the same time be binding energy of gravity? I am just trying to find overlap between QM and GR and I have thought about this question but I'm not sure how to tackle it.
  41. A

    I Difference between binding energy and ionization energy

    Hi! I wonder since some time why ionization energies are not equal to binding energies. For instance, take the case of aluminum in the following configuration [Ne]3s²3p Ionization energy ~ 6 eV Binding energy ~ 5 eV Where does this difference come from ? Thanks in advance
  42. A

    Where is nuclear binding energy stored?

    I understand that the difference in mass between the protons and neutrons and the nucleus itself is called the mass defect, and that this mass defect is converted into nuclear binding energy. What seems to confuse me is where this energy is actually stored. I've been reading 4-5 different...
  43. A

    B Can Kinetic Energy Trigger Nuclear Reactions?

    I understand that nuclei can overcome some of their binding energy by being excited, which allows them to promptly emit nucleons. Is there any requirement as to how this energy is delivered/ obtained? For example, a Be 9 nucleus emits a neutron when excited via photon to 1.667 MeV. Would the...
  44. U

    I Energy released when 238U is divided into two 119Pd.

    Hi! I have a question about nuclear fission. Here is the problem: 238_U (B/A = 7.6 MeV/n) is divided into two 119_Pd ( B/A = 8.5 MeV/n). How much energy will be released? I was thinking since the 119_Pd has larger B/A (binding energy per nucleus), energy is needed for this reaction to happen...
  45. A

    B Why Is Binding Energy Subtracted in Nuclear Mass Calculations?

    The mass of the nucleus is calculated as follows: mass (nucleus) = [Number of protons * Mass of proton] + [Number of Neutrons * mass of neutron] - [Binding energy/c^2] Why is the contribution to mass from the binding energy subtracted from the mass of the nucleus rather than being added to...
  46. ReidMerrill

    Hydrogen bonds and binding energy question

    I'm doing a computational lab about binding energy and comparing different methods of solvation. What does positive and negative binding energy signify? Half of the places I look say the more positive the binding energy the stronger the interaction between the molecules. Other places say the...
  47. Antonija

    Binding energy of hydrogen ion

    Homework Statement The negative H− ion is a two-electron system like the He atom. How large is the binding energy of the second electron?Homework Equations For hydrogen-like atoms we can use hydrogen wavefunctions so I did it here. First there is potential to be found and then, multipled...
  48. B

    Nuclear binding energy problem

    What is the nuclear binding energy of N-14 in joules per mole of nuclei? The mass deficit is 0.11278. Atomic mass is 14.00307. Total mass is 14.11585. I keep getting stuck after converting and substituting it into the equation. First I converted the mass deficit into kilograms. 0.11278 =1.1278 ×...
  49. sarvesh upadhyay

    I Exploring the Low Binding Energy of Deuterons

    Why the binding energy of deutron is very low?
  50. B

    Semi-empirical mass formula: most stable isobar for odd A

    Homework Statement Using the Semi-empirical Mass Formula show that for fixed odd atomic mass number, A, the most stable isobar has a neutron to proton ratio given by N/Z = 1 + aCA2/3/(2aA) Homework Equations B(A,Z) = aV A − aS A2/3 − aCZ2A-1/3 − aA(Z − N)2/A + pairing term The Attempt at a...
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