SUMMARY
The mass defect of O-15 is calculated using the formula D = (8Mp + 7Mn - M), where Mp is the proton mass (938.3 MeV/c²), Mn is the neutron mass (939.6 MeV/c²), and M is the mass of O-15 (13,975 MeV/c²). The calculation yields a mass defect of 108.6 MeV/c². It is important to consider the mass of electrons in this calculation, as they contribute to the total mass unless specified otherwise.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of nuclear physics concepts
- Familiarity with mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²)
- Knowledge of atomic structure, specifically protons and neutrons
- Basic proficiency in performing unit conversions in MeV/c²
NEXT STEPS
- Research the role of electron mass in atomic mass calculations
- Learn about nuclear binding energy and its relation to mass defect
- Explore advanced nuclear physics topics, such as isotopes and their stability
- Study the implications of mass defect in nuclear reactions and fission
USEFUL FOR
Students studying nuclear physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and researchers interested in nuclear binding energy calculations.