The mass of a nucleus is found to be less than the sum of the separate masses of its…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics
Problem
The mass of a nucleus is found to be less than the sum of the separate masses of its constituent protons and neutrons. What is the correct explanation for this difference?
(a) Some of the nucleons’ mass is converted into strong-force potential energy that remains confined inside the nucleus, so no external energy is released.
(b) The nucleons move at very high speeds; their relativistic kinetic energy makes their rest masses appear smaller than when they are at rest.
(c) Some mass is converted into binding energy and released when the nucleus is formed.
(d) The powerful gravitational attraction in the dense nucleus provides negative gravitational energy that reduces the total mass of the system.