Nucleus: Practice Problem & Solution
The mass of proton is 1.0073 u and that of neutron is 1.0087 u (u = atomic mass unit). The binding energy of $ _2^4He $ is (Given: helium nucleus mass $ \approx 4.0015 $ u) (2003)
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Nucleus. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
Mass of constituents = $ 2(1.0073) + 2(1.0087) = 4.0320 $ u. Mass defect $ \Delta m = 4.0320 - 4.0015 = 0.0305 $ u. Binding energy $ = 0.0305 \times 931.5 $ MeV $ \approx 28.4 $ MeV.
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