Calculating the Mass Defect of 40Ca

  • Thread starter Thread starter Intrusionv2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass Mass defect
AI Thread Summary
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.
Intrusionv2
Messages
31
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Δm=(Zmp+(A-Z)mn)-(m-Zme)
Now the formula looks better :)
 
Nvm, got it, thanks
 
Last edited:
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculate the mass deficit in this nuclear reaction
Replies
12
Views
2K
I Where can I find information about this nucleon mass coincidence?
Replies
2
Views
3K
Finding binding energy and converting into MeV
Replies
5
Views
3K
Calculate the KE of an electron emitted from the beta decay of a neutron
Replies
1
Views
9K
Finding recoil velocity of an object during a collision
Replies
9
Views
2K
Nulcear fission, two daughter nuclei
Replies
5
Views
2K
Calculating Mass Defect of Americium-244
Replies
4
Views
3K
Semi empirical mass formula derivation help
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Mass Defect: Is my understanding correct?
Replies
3
Views
2K
What is the total mass of an O atom?
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top