Nucleus: Practice Problem & Solution
$ M_p $ denotes the mass of a proton and $ M_n $ that of a neutron. A given nucleus, of binding energy B, contains Z protons and N neutrons. The mass M(N, Z) of the nucleus is given by (c is velocity of light): (2004)
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:
The binding energy B is given by $ B = [Z M_p + N M_n - M(N, Z)] c^2 $. Rearranging for the mass of the nucleus gives $ M(N, Z) = Z M_p + N M_n - B/c^2 $.
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