Nucleons, mass defect, and mass

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the concept of mass defect in nuclear fission and fusion, specifically addressing the relationship between mass and energy as described by the equation ΔE=Δmc². Participants highlight that the energy released during these processes often appears to be less than the mass of individual nucleons, such as protons and neutrons, while maintaining the assumption of constant nucleon mass. The inquiry emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of nuclear binding energy and its implications on mass changes during nuclear reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission and fusion processes
  • Familiarity with the equation ΔE=Δmc²
  • Basic knowledge of nucleons (protons and neutrons)
  • Concept of nuclear binding energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of nuclear binding energy and its calculations
  • Explore advanced topics in nuclear physics, such as quantum chromodynamics
  • Study the implications of mass defect on nuclear stability
  • Learn about the applications of mass-energy equivalence in nuclear reactors
USEFUL FOR

Students studying nuclear physics, educators teaching advanced high school physics, and anyone interested in the principles of mass-energy conversion in nuclear reactions.

Jathor
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in high school we are learning about mass defect in nuclear fission and fusion and I know the math: ΔE=Δmc^2

however often the mass changed into energy is much less then the mass of a single nucleon(proton or neutron) and there are no fewer nucleons. for this to happen I would think that you would need to have a part of a nucleon left but we still assume that there mass is a constent.

how dose this work? my physics teacher had no idea.
 
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