Calculating the Binding Energy of 12C

[thereddevils]

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?

 

[Swap]

Binding energy= (mass of the total no of protons and the nucleus - mass of the atom itself)/c^2.

 

[thereddevils]

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?

 

[Fightfish]

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.

 

[thereddevils]

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?