Chapter 22.2, Problem 22.2P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mass defect and binding energy of ${}^{16}\text{O}$ nucleus has to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

Energy changes during nuclear reaction:  In the nucleus, the protons and neutrons are the components. In order to overcome proton-proton repulsion, the force holding the nucleus together is the nuclear force. The amount of energy required to break the nucleus and the amount of energy released on breaking the nucleus are simply the reverse of one another.

Mass defect: When protons and neutrons combine to form a nucleus, the loss of mass occurred is known as Mass defect.

Binding energy: During the nucleus formation, the mass lost can be converted into energy that is released. Binding energy is a measure of strength that holds the nucleus together. More the value of binding energy, more stable the nucleus.

Formula used:

$\begin{array}{l}{\text{ΔE = Δm c}}^{\text{2}}\text{,}\\ \text{where, ΔE is binding energy;}\\ \text{ Δm is mass defect;}\\ \text{ c is the velocity of light}\text{.}\end{array}$