Elementary question of binding energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the interacting energy (U) between two ions in a crystal and the binding energy (W) for one atom. The initial question asks if U is equal to W, suggesting that the binding energy could simply be the interaction energy. However, some sources indicate that W is actually equal to -1/2 U. This discrepancy arises from the fact that binding energy typically refers to the energy required to separate an atom from the crystal lattice, while U represents the total interaction energy between two ions. The negative sign in the equation W = -1/2 U reflects the convention that binding energy is a measure of stability, indicating energy release when ions are brought together. Clarification on these concepts is essential for understanding the energy dynamics in ionic crystals.
td21
Gold Member
Messages
177
Reaction score
8
Hello! I asked this question in Physics section but no one replies so i think it is more a chem question.

When it is given that the interacting energy between 2 ions in a crystal is U, is the binding energy W(for 1 atom) equal to U?
i.e. U=W?

I think it's a reasonable guess;but i also look in some books that "W=-(1/2)U"? Why?and which one is correct? I cannot find anything on the internet, thanks for your help.

My chemistry background is also weak so thanks for your help.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Interaction takes two ions, but you want energy per atom, yes?

Sign is just a matter of convention.
 

Thread 'Solubility of MgSO47H2O in water'

It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
View full post »

Thread 'Why does having 8 valence electrons make an element inert?'

I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
View full post »

Similar threads

Binding energy or Kinetic energy?
Replies
3
Views
10K
B Nuclear Binding Energy: Is my understanding correct?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Conceptual question about binding energy, from OCR paper
Replies
4
Views
2K
I How Does Binding Energy Relate to Nucleon Distance in Atomic Nuclei?
Replies
17
Views
3K
Troubleshooting nuclear decay, electron binding energies, internal contributions
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Breaking an atom down in it's components.
Replies
4
Views
2K
Does the Potential Energy increase during Chemical Bonding?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Confusion on binding energy and ionization energy.
Replies
3
Views
6K
What is the true nature of binding energy in a nucleus?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Calculating Binding Energy for C13 Neutron Removal
Replies
16
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top