What is the nuclear binding energy in joules for an atom of helium–4? Assume the following:
Mass defect = 5.0531 × 10-29 kilograms.
Use E = mc2, with c = 3 × 108 m/s

Question

What is the nuclear binding energy in joules for an atom of helium–4? Assume the following:
Mass defect = 5.0531 × 10-29 kilograms.
Use E = mc2, with c = 3 × 108 m/s

matt101 · Answer

The mass defect refers to the amount of mass that has been converted to energy to hold the nucleus together. That means the mass defect is what you're using in your equation to calculate E.

$$E=mc^2$$$$E=(5.0531 \times 10^{-29})(3 \times 10^8)^2$$$$E=4.55 \times 10^{-12}$$
The binding energy is 4.55 x 10^(-12) J.

Let me know if you have any questions!