Binding energy per nucleon and fission/fusion

AI Thread Summary
Binding energy per nucleon increases during fission and fusion, resulting in energy release rather than absorption. This energy release occurs because binding energy can be viewed as negative, indicating energy that is "missing" from the nucleus compared to separate nucleons. To calculate energy released, one must convert the mass difference of nucleons into energy using Einstein's equation. The net loss in mass corresponds to the gain in binding energy of the resulting nuclei. Understanding these concepts is crucial for explaining fission and fusion in terms of binding energy.
Hashiramasenju
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Homework Statement


Ok so i know that the binding energy per nucleon inceases after fission and fusion and the difference in the binding energy is given out as energy. But if the binding enrgy increases shouldn't there be energy taken in(rather than given out)? Also why is the net loss in my = the gain in Binding energy of the fused(OR FISSION EITHRER WAY) nuclei ?

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Think of binding energy as negative: it's energy that's "missing" from the nucleus, compared to the separated nucleons; it's not energy that the nucleus "has".
 
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jtbell said:
Think of binding energy as negative: it's energy that's "missing" from the nucleus, compared to the separated nucleons; it's not energy that the nucleus "has".
Thanks for the reply kinda got it. But in the exam i get question like calculate the difference in mass and hence the energy released. Does this equal to the difference in binding energy.
And one question was"explain fission and fusion in terms of the binding energy" How do you Answer that? Thanx alot.
 
Hashiramasenju said:
Thanks for the reply kinda got it. But in the exam i get question like calculate the difference in mass and hence the energy released. Does this equal to the difference in binding energy.

No, you have to convert from mass to energy. Try adding up the mass of 2 protons and 2 neutrons and subtracting the mass of an alpha particle from that sum. Then convert that difference in mass to energy.

Hashiramasenju said:
And one question was"explain fission and fusion in terms of the binding energy" How do you Answer that? Thanx alot.

Well, if binding energy is negative, meaning that an increase in binding energy gives off energy, what happens during fission and fusion?
 
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