Overcoming Nuclear Forces: A Look Into the Physics of the Atom

[Sarah0001]

Homework Statement

Why is it that the rest energy of a nucleus is less than the sum of the rest energies of its constituent protons and neutrons ?

Relevant Equations

E rest = mc^2

Is it that work is done to overcome the nuclear forces holding the nucleus together?

 

[haruspex]

Homework Statement: Why is it that the rest energy of a nucleus is less than the sum of the rest energies of its constituent protons and neutrons ?
Homework Equations: E rest = mc^2

Is it that work is done to overcome the nuclear forces holding the nucleus together?

The work done to separate them, yes.