In free states, the mass of the nucleus is always:
Correct answer: C. Less than the mass of its constituents
- A. Greater than the mass of its constituents
- B. Equal to the mass of its constituents
- C. Less than the mass of its constituents
- D. Far greater than the mass of its constituents
Explanation
As mentioned earlier, the mass of the nucleus is slightly less than the sum of the masses of its individual constituents. This mass difference is known as the mass defect, which represents the mass converted into binding energy during the nuclear formation. The binding energy is the energy that holds the nucleus together and is released when nucleons (protons and neutrons) come closer and form a stable nucleus. Hence, option (c) is correct.
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
The detection and estimation of an element in a mixture is sometimes nearly impossible, if it is present in very minute traces or if it's chemical properties are very similar to those of other elements in the mixture. An effective technique is developed for these purposes is known as?
Sodium nucleus consists of 11 protons and 12 neutrons. The conventional symbol of this nucleus is?
The half-life of 14C is approximately 5,730 years, while the half-life of 12C is essentially infinite. If the ratio of 14Cto 12C in a certain sample is 25% less than the normal ratio in nature, how old is the sample?
Let X be a radioactive element having No nuclei. The time required to decay this element to one half of its initial number No is known as:
The process of natural decay of some heavy nuclides is because of the phenomenon:
During radioactive decay of a nucleus zXA, β emission takes place along with the daughter nucleus. Because of this beta particle emission, the mass number (A) of the parent nucleus: