Sum of the masses of constituent nucleons as compared to the mass of the resultant nucleus is:
Correct answer: B. Greater
- A. Smaller
- B. Greater
- C. Same
- D. Infinite
Explanation
The mass of the resultant nucleus is indeed smaller than the sum of the masses of its constituent nucleons. This reduction in mass is due to the release of binding energy when nucleons come together to form a nucleus. This phenomenon is described by Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle (E=mc²). Therefore, option b is correct.
This question appeared on the KMU Centralized Admission Test 2022 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Composition of Atomic Nuclei
Atomic nuclei contain positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons, collectively called nucleons. Questions use atomic number, mass number and nuclear notation to identify isotopes, isobars and isotones, and may connect nuclear composition with nuclear charge, mass defect, binding energy and the stability of the nucleus.
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