Question

studying for my final, help

3) [5 pts) Find the binding energy Q (in MeV) of carbon-12. Assume: mc = 12.000 000 u m, = 1.007 825 u m = 1.008 665 u u = 1.66 x 10-27 kg

Answer 1

The binding energy is the energy you would need to put in to split the nucleus into individual protons and neutrons. To find the binding energy, add the masses of the individual protons, neutrons, and electrons, subtract the mass of the atom, and convert that mass difference to energy.

For carbon-12 this gives:

Mass defect = Dm =

6 * 1.008665 u + 6 * 1.007825u + 6 * 0.00054858u - 12.000 000 u

= 0.10223148 u

The binding energy in the carbon-12 atom is therefore;

0.10223148 u * 931.5 MeV/u = 95.23 MeV.