Question

Nuclear Binding Energy

a)Calculate the mass defect of the helium nucleus 52He. The mass of neutral 52He is given by MHe=5.012225amu. Express your answer in atomic mass units to four significant figures.

b)Calculate the binding energy E of the helium nucleus 52He (1eV=1.602×10−19J). Express your answer in millions of electron volts to four significant figures.

c)Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of the helium nucleus 52He. Express your answer in millions of electron volts to four significant figures.

Answer 1

Mass defect = total mass or neucleons - actual mass

                      = mass of protons + no of neutrons - actual mass

                       = 2*1.00728+3*1.00866-5.012225

                      = 0.0283 amu

1 amu   = 931mev

                    = 0.0283*931Mev = 26.3473Mev   = 26.3473 *10⁶ * 1.602*10^-19 J

                            Binding energy                          = 42.2*10^-13 J = 4.22*10^-12 J