Liquid Drop Model: Why is Mass of Nucleus a Minus Away?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the mass of the atomic nucleus and binding energy, questioning why the mass is represented as a negative value. It clarifies that the mass of the nucleus is not simply the sum of the proton and neutron masses plus the mass of the empty parts. Instead, the binding energy, which is the energy needed to separate nucleons, plays a crucial role in this calculation. The equation reflects energy conservation, indicating that the mass of the nucleus plus the energy required to separate nucleons equals the total mass of the nucleons. This understanding resolves the initial confusion about the mass being a negative value.
quietrain
Messages
648
Reaction score
2
the atomic nucleus mass is given by

b083043e60e6c55a5e0949f52fd64fc9.png


but why is it a minus away of binding energy / c2 = mass of the empty parts of the nucleus?

shouldn't it be a plus?

mass of nucleus = proton mass + neutron mass + mass of empty parts of the nucleus?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Binding energy is an energy you must provide to separate nucleons. So you have energy conservation: mass of nucleus + energy required to separate nucleons = sum of masses of nucleons
 
oh i see than kyou
 

Similar threads

B What causes mass defect in the nucleus?
Replies
29
Views
5K
B Explaination of beta + decay in layman language
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Are Mass and Matter Distinct Entities in Particle Physics?
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Why is binding energy called binding energy?
Replies
14
Views
2K
B The Effect of Binding Energy on Mass
Replies
5
Views
1K
What Does Disassembling a Nucleus Truly Mean?
Replies
12
Views
3K
B Why don't neutrons bind into large out of control masses?
Replies
28
Views
3K
B Mass Defect: Is my understanding correct?
Replies
3
Views
2K
B Why Is Binding Energy Subtracted in Nuclear Mass Calculations?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Binding energy, fusion and fission
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top