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jsmith613
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Homework Statement
What exactly is binding energy? why is this energy RELEASED during fission / fusion
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
when two light nucleons fuse they combine to form a heavier nucleon whose mass is less than the sum of the two separate nucleons.
This lost mass goes into making the binding energy. It seems that the binding energy is the energy needed to hold the nucleus together.
WHY IS THIS ENERGY RELEASED?