What Makes Binding Energy Negative? Examples and Explanations

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Binding energy is defined as the energy required to separate particles that are bound together, and it is considered negative because it indicates a stable configuration where energy is released when particles bind. Two common examples of binding energy include the energy that holds protons and neutrons together in atomic nuclei and the energy that binds electrons to an atom. The negative value signifies that energy must be supplied to overcome the attractive forces and separate the particles. Resources like Hyperphysics provide detailed explanations and examples of binding energy concepts. Understanding binding energy is crucial for grasping the stability of atomic and molecular structures.
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What is binding energy? Give two examples.
Most forms of energy are positive. Why is binding energy negative?
 
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drywater123 said:
What is binding energy? Give two examples.
Most forms of energy are positive. Why is binding energy negative?
What has one tried with respect to finding information on binding energy? Ostensibly one has a textbook in which binding energy is described.

Meanwhile - try Hyperphysics
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/nucbin.html
 

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