How to explain the mass deffect?

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SUMMARY

The mass defect occurs when protons and neutrons combine to form an atomic nucleus, resulting in a loss of mass that is converted into binding energy, as established by Einstein's theory of relativity. This phenomenon explains why the relative atomic mass of elements, except for carbon-12 (C12), is not a whole number. The binding energy, a result of the strong nuclear interaction, accounts for the slight decrease in mass of the nucleons when they are part of a nucleus.

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  • Understanding of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²)
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I understand that when , say, several protons and neutron come together to from a nucleus they loose some mass and that this mass is lost as ENERGY as proven by Einstein. But does that actually mean that the protons and neutrons become a bit lighter? And is this what accounts for the mass defect (i.e why the relative atomic mass of any atom except C12 is not a whole number)?
 
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Hi there,

You are exactly right. The protons and neutrons, in an atomic nucleus become a bit lighter. This also explains your example with the C12 atom and many other.

By the way, as long as the nucleus is whole, the protons ans neutrons will be a little lighter. This mass defect is transformed into binding energy (energy that glues them together). This energy is the effect of the strong nuclear interaction.

Cheers
 

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