Calculating the Binding Energy of 12C

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SUMMARY

The binding energy of carbon-12 (12C) is calculated using the mass defect formula, which considers only the nucleons (protons and neutrons) in the nucleus, not the electrons. The equation used is binding energy = (mass of total protons and neutrons - mass of the atom) / c², where c is the speed of light. It is crucial to distinguish between the binding energy of the nucleus and that of the entire atom, as the former excludes electrons while the latter includes them. Clarification on whether the question pertains to the nucleus or the atom is essential for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, specifically nucleons
  • Familiarity with Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula, E=mc²
  • Knowledge of atomic structure, including the roles of protons, neutrons, and electrons
  • Basic skills in performing mass defect calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of mass defect in nuclear physics
  • Learn about the differences between atomic and nuclear binding energy
  • Study examples of binding energy calculations for various isotopes
  • Explore the implications of binding energy in nuclear stability and reactions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying nuclear physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone interested in the calculations related to nuclear binding energy.

thereddevils
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Homework Statement



What is the binding energy of 12C ? (the 12 is meant to be the nucleon number of C)

Homework Equations



E=mc^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure how to calculate the mass defect. Do i take into consideration of the protons, electrons and neutrons?
 
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Binding energy= (mass of the total no of protons and the nucleus - mass of the atom itself)/c^2.
 
Swap said:
Binding energy= (mass of the total no of protons and the nucleus - mass of the atom itself)/c^2.

Thanks but why is electrons not involved here?
 
thereddevils said:
Thanks but why is electrons not involved here?
It depends on whether the question is referring to the atom or nucleus.
The binding energy of a nucleus would just involve the nucleons, whereas the binding energy of the atom would involve the electrons as well.
 
Fightfish said:
It depends on whether the question is referring to the atom or nucleus.
The binding energy of a nucleus would just involve the nucleons, whereas the binding energy of the atom would involve the electrons as well.

thanks and in this case, how do i know if the question is referring to the carbon nucleus or the carbon atoms?
 

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