The discussion centers on the concept of nuclear forces and their role in the stability of atomic nuclei. It addresses the question of why the rest energy of a nucleus is less than the sum of the rest energies of its individual protons and neutrons. The key takeaway is that work is indeed done to overcome the nuclear forces that hold the nucleus together, which is essential for understanding nuclear stability and energy calculations, particularly through the equation E rest = mc².
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators in nuclear science, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of atomic structure and stability.
The work done to separate them, yes.Sarah0001 said: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?