Nuclear Binding Energy and Nuclear Radiation

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts from the lecture on Nuclear Binding Energy and Nuclear Radiation.

What is the mass defect in nuclear physics?

The difference between the measured mass of a nucleus and the sum total of the masses of its constituents.

How is binding energy defined in nuclear physics?

The energy required to break a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons.

What does mass-energy equivalence imply about the relationship between mass and energy?

Mass can be converted into energy and energy can be converted into mass.

What is the unified atomic mass unit (u)?

Roughly equal to the mass of one proton or neutron, defined as the mass of exactly one-twelfth of an atom of carbon-12.

How is the binding energy per nucleon related to the stability of a nucleus?

A higher binding energy per nucleon indicates higher stability since it requires more energy to pull the nucleus apart.

What type of reaction is the formation of a nucleus from isolated protons and neutrons considered?

An exothermic reaction, since it releases energy.

What are the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion to occur?

Both nuclei must have high kinetic energy and be in a very high-density environment, such as the core of a star.

Which element has the highest binding energy per nucleon?

Iron (A = 56) is the most stable element with the highest binding energy per nucleon.

What occurs when deuterium and tritium nuclei fuse?

They combine to form a helium nucleus and release energy.

How is the mass-energy equivalence equation represented?

E = mc², where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light.