Binding energy and excited nucleus question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between mass defect, binding energy, and gamma radiation in nuclear reactions. It is established that the mass defect of a nucleus, which is the difference between the mass of the parent nucleus and the mass of the daughter nucleus, accounts for the energy released during radioactive decay, specifically in the form of gamma photons. Binding energy is defined as the energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent nucleons, and it is not a pool of energy that can be released. Instead, the energy associated with the mass defect is what is emitted when an excited nucleus transitions to a lower energy state.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, specifically mass defect and binding energy.
  • Familiarity with gamma radiation and its role in nuclear decay.
  • Knowledge of radioactive decay processes, including fission and fusion.
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in nuclear reactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of mass-energy equivalence as described by Einstein's equation E=mc².
  • Learn about the mechanisms of radioactive decay and the types of radiation emitted.
  • Investigate the differences between binding energy and mass defect in various nuclear reactions.
  • Explore the implications of binding energy per nucleon in nuclear fusion and fission processes.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for nuclear physicists, students studying nuclear chemistry, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of nuclear decay and energy release in reactions.

bonbon22
Messages
92
Reaction score
5
Homework Statement
gamma radiation is Formed when a nucleus is excited.

by a particle being given off in a decay.

The excess energy caused by the change in mass defect

is converted into a photon of the same size as the nucleus.
Relevant Equations
no equations
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 of energy where i thought it would be for the binding energy.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The mass defect is a measure of binding energy released.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bonbon22
Doc Al said:
The mass defect is a measure of binding energy released.
but the nucleus in this case just goes down an energy level, does that mean the binding energy is released??
 
Often during radioactive decay of a parent nucleus, the daughter nucleus created is in an excited state and quickly drops down and emits a gamma ray photon. The energy of that photon can be accounted for by the mass defect of the nuclei (which is a measure of binding energy released).

But show us the link that you saw and maybe things can be clarified further.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bonbon22
Doc Al said:
Often during radioactive decay of a parent nucleus, the daughter nucleus created is in an excited state and quickly drops down and emits a gamma ray photon. The energy of that photon can be accounted for by the mass defect of the nuclei (which is a measure of binding energy released).

But show us the link that you saw and maybe things can be clarified further.
http://www.antonine-education.co.uk/Pages/Physics_5/Nuclear_Physics/NUC_03/nuclear_3.htm

why is it equal to the mass defect?? would the mass defect not be used to hold the nucleus together or are you saying the energy level difference is equal to the binding energy of the nucleus
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: geoelectronics
bonbon22 said:
http://www.antonine-education.co.uk/Pages/Physics_5/Nuclear_Physics/NUC_03/nuclear_3.htm

why is it equal to the mass defect?? is binding energy not the energy requierd to hold the nucleaus together or is it the energy released when a nucleus decays
 
Several things going on here. Is the mass of an excited nucleus greater than that of a nucleus that has dropped down to the ground state? Yes. And that mass difference will equal the energy of the emitted gamma photon (and the recoiling nucleus).

But I would not use the term "binding energy" for that. That term describes the energy needed to break up the nucleus. The "mass defect" between parent nuclei and the daughter nuclei (and other particles) will equal the energy released in the decay process (fission, for example).

The two things are related, of course, since mass-energy is conserved.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bonbon22
Doc Al said:
Several things going on here. Is the mass of an excited nucleus greater than that of a nucleus that has dropped down to the ground state? Yes. And that mass difference will equal the energy of the emitted gamma photon (and the recoiling nucleus).

But I would not use the term "binding energy" for that. That term describes the energy needed to break up the nucleus. The "mass defect" between parent nuclei and the daughter nuclei (and other particles) will equal the energy released in the decay process (fission, for example).

The two things are related, of course, since mass-energy is conserved.
i see so in radioactive reactors where fission takes places does the neutrons collliding with nucleons, make the daughter nucleus excited then it dexcites and that's what causes the energy from nuclear fission. not the release of the binding energy of the nucleus ? sorry very last question.
 
The phrase "release the binding energy" paints a picture of binding energy as a pool of energy that could be "released" if the nucleus were to be completely broken apart into its constituent nucleons.

But binding energy is not a pool of energy. It is a deficit of energy. It cannot be released. Instead, it must be provided if the nucleus is to be completely disassembled.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bonbon22 and Doc Al
  • #10
jbriggs444 said:
The phrase "release the binding energy" paints a picture of binding energy as a pool of energy that could be "released" if the nucleus were to be completely broken apart into its constituent nucleons.

But binding energy is not a pool of energy. It is a deficit of energy. It cannot be released. Instead, it must be provided if the nucleus is to be completely disassembled.
Cheers for the reply, one more question
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/471908-question-paper-unit-h556-02-exploring-physics.pdf24 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 hydrogen atom and not the binding energy which holds the 2 H hydrogen atom together per nucleon ? Essentially what I am asking is , is the mass defect or the " binding energy released" EQUAL to the binding energy which holds the nucleons together as this question phrases it. And does this apply to all decays essentially , i can see the contrast with fission reactions where it releases less energy.. just want to confirm if my train of thought is correct also ... cheers
 

Similar threads

Is my understanding of nuclear fusion and binding energy correct?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Understanding Nuclear Stability: The Role of Binding Energy
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Where is nuclear binding energy stored?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why Is Energy Released in Nuclear Decay Equal to Change in Binding Energies?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Conceptual question about binding energy, from OCR paper
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to calculate gamma ray energies following beta decay?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Nuclear Reactions & Binding Energy
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Variation in mass and binding energy in nuclear reactions
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Binding energy of a nitrogen nucleus
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What type of energy is actually stored inside an atom?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K