A nucleus weighs less than its sum of nucleons, a quantity known as the:
Correct answer: A. Mass defect
- A. Mass defect
- B. Binding energy
- C. Packing fraction
- D. None of these
Explanation
The mass of a nucleus is less than the sum of its nucleons because a small amount of its mass is transformed into energy when the nucleus is formed. When nucleons come together to form a nucleus, they experience a strong repulsive force which is the strong nuclear force. To overcome this repulsion, the nucleons have to do work, and this work requires energy which is taken from their mass. This is called mass defect. It is given by: ∆m = Zmproton + (A - Z )mneutron - mnucleus A = Mass number , Z= Atomic number
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Nuclear Physics
Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.
Practise Nuclear Physics
1,254 free Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Nuclear Physics questions
Which of the following have low ionization and high penetrating power?
How many neutrons are released during fusion of two deuterons?
Which of the following is not true about radioactivity?
Transmutation occurs when rays are given out
In heavy nuclei the number of neutrons is _ than protons
Disintegration of a radioactive element is