2 protons have less mass than combined

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon where two protons, when combined to form helium, exhibit a lower total mass than the sum of their individual masses. Participants explore the implications of binding energy in this context and its relation to energy release during nuclear reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that when two protons combine, they have less mass than when they are separate, attributing this to binding energy.
  • Others clarify that the mass loss is due to the binding energy that holds the protons together in helium.
  • A participant questions the scale of mass loss due to binding energy and its relation to energy release, suggesting a connection to explosive reactions.
  • Another participant confirms that while the mass lost is small, the energy associated with this mass loss is significant, particularly in the context of nuclear reactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the combined mass of protons is less than their individual masses due to binding energy, but there are varying interpretations regarding the implications and scale of this mass loss.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specifics of how binding energy quantitatively affects mass loss or the exact mechanisms of energy release in nuclear reactions.

Cbray
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I was reading an article about how two protons have less mass combined than by themselves to make helium, which gives off left over energy around 0.7% of their mass.

How is this possible? Why do they have less mass combined?

Thanks!
 
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You have it backwards in your first line. Combined they have less mass. The missing energy is due to the binding energy that keeps them together in say, Helium.
 
Pengwuino said:
You have it backwards in your first line. Combined they have less mass. The missing energy is due to the binding energy that keeps them together in say, Helium.

So I'm guessing the amount of mass lost due to bindings is small? - And the energy left is for explosions ? :P
 
Yes, the mass lost is small (although the energy associated with that mass loss is huge by E = mc^2 compared to chemical reactions). That's what basically happens in nuclear reactions.
 

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