Calculating the Mass Defect of 40Ca

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The mass defect of the 40Ca nucleus is calculated using the formula Δm=(Zmp+(A-Z)mn)-m, where Z is the atomic number, A is the mass number, mp is the mass of a proton, and mn is the mass of a neutron. The initial calculation yielded a mass defect of 0.242 amu, but the correct value is 0.367 amu. The discrepancy was resolved by adjusting the formula to account for the binding energy correction, leading to the realization that Δm should include the electron mass. The final understanding clarified the correct approach to calculating the mass defect. The discussion highlights the importance of precise formula application in nuclear physics calculations.
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Homework Statement



What is the mass defect of the 40Ca nucleus?

Homework Equations



Δm=(Zmp+(A-Z)mn)-m

The Attempt at a Solution



mass of 40Ca=40.078 amu
mass of proton in amu is mp=1.0073 amu
mass of neutron is mn=1.0087 amu
atmomic number of 40Ca is Z=20
its mass number is A=40
so the mass defect is
Δm=(Zmp+(A-Z)mn)-m
=0.242 amu

But it says the correct answer is 0.367u, why? What am I doing wrong? Thanks.
 
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Δm=(Zmp+(A-Z)mn)-(m-Zme)
Now the formula looks better :)
 
Nvm, got it, thanks
 
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