Nuclear binding energy
A bound nucleus has less rest mass than its separated nucleons.
Key knowledge
For a specified nucleus, binding energy B = [Z m_p + (A−Z)m_n − m_nucleus]c² is the energy needed to separate it into free protons and neutrons.
Values and equations
B = [Z m_p + (A−Z)m_n − m_nucleus]c²
- B
- Nuclear binding energy J
- Z, A
- Proton number and nucleon count
- m_p, m_n, m_nucleus
- Proton, neutron and bare nuclear rest masses kg
- c
- Vacuum light speed m s⁻¹
Conditions and scope
- Use bare nuclear and nucleon rest masses consistently; atomic masses require electron accounting.
- Ground-state binding and excited-state energy must be distinguished; no tabulated isotope values are supplied.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Equations 10.4–10.5: nucleon mass deficit and binding energy.
2026-10-10 · Rest-mass binding definition only; no universal stability threshold or nuclear-mass model asserted.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-nuclear-binding-energy
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion