Binding energy per nucleon and fission/fusion

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of binding energy and its relationship to fission and fusion. The binding energy per nucleon increases after fission and fusion, resulting in a release of energy equal to the difference in binding energy. However, this energy is not "gained" by the nucleus, but rather "missing" from it. In exam questions, the difference in mass must be converted to energy to calculate the energy released. The question of explaining fission and fusion in terms of binding energy suggests that an increase in binding energy results in energy being released during these processes.
  • #1
Hashiramasenju
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Homework Statement


Ok so i know that the binding energy per nucleon inceases after fission and fusion and the difference in the binding energy is given out as energy. But if the binding enrgy increases shouldn't there be energy taken in(rather than given out)? Also why is the net loss in my = the gain in Binding energy of the fused(OR FISSION EITHRER WAY) nuclei ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Think of binding energy as negative: it's energy that's "missing" from the nucleus, compared to the separated nucleons; it's not energy that the nucleus "has".
 
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  • #3
jtbell said:
Think of binding energy as negative: it's energy that's "missing" from the nucleus, compared to the separated nucleons; it's not energy that the nucleus "has".
Thanks for the reply kinda got it. But in the exam i get question like calculate the difference in mass and hence the energy released. Does this equal to the difference in binding energy.
And one question was"explain fission and fusion in terms of the binding energy" How do you Answer that? Thanx alot.
 
  • #4
Hashiramasenju said:
Thanks for the reply kinda got it. But in the exam i get question like calculate the difference in mass and hence the energy released. Does this equal to the difference in binding energy.

No, you have to convert from mass to energy. Try adding up the mass of 2 protons and 2 neutrons and subtracting the mass of an alpha particle from that sum. Then convert that difference in mass to energy.

Hashiramasenju said:
And one question was"explain fission and fusion in terms of the binding energy" How do you Answer that? Thanx alot.

Well, if binding energy is negative, meaning that an increase in binding energy gives off energy, what happens during fission and fusion?
 

Related to Binding energy per nucleon and fission/fusion

1. What is binding energy per nucleon?

Binding energy per nucleon is the amount of energy required to break apart an atomic nucleus into its individual nucleons (protons and neutrons). It is the measure of the strength of the nuclear force that holds the nucleus together.

2. How is binding energy per nucleon calculated?

The binding energy per nucleon is calculated by dividing the total binding energy of an atomic nucleus by the number of nucleons in the nucleus. This gives a measure of the average amount of energy each nucleon has due to the strong nuclear force.

3. What is fission and how does it relate to binding energy per nucleon?

Fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei. This process releases a large amount of energy, which is a result of the decrease in binding energy per nucleon in the new nuclei. The nuclear binding energy must be overcome in order to split the nucleus, and the difference between the original binding energy and the new binding energy is released as energy.

4. What is fusion and how does it relate to binding energy per nucleon?

Fusion is the process of combining two or more lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. The fusion process releases a large amount of energy, as the new nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon than the original nuclei. This energy is released as the excess binding energy per nucleon is converted into other forms, such as heat and light.

5. How is binding energy per nucleon important in nuclear reactions?

Binding energy per nucleon plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions, as it determines the stability of a nucleus and the amount of energy released during fission and fusion processes. Higher binding energy per nucleon leads to more stable nuclei, and the difference in binding energy between the reactants and products is released as energy, making nuclear reactions a potential source of large amounts of energy.

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