Binding Energy
Physics: AQA A Level, topic 8.1.10
Binding Energy Per Nucleon
E = mc² is one of the most famous equations in science. It gave Einstein the important idea that massive amounts of energy could be released if nuclei were combined or split apart.
Exothermic processes
- The region to the left of the black dashed line shows where fusion of nuclei is an exothermic process.
- The region to the right of the black dashed line shows where fission of a nucleus is an exothermic process.
- Exothermic means that energy is released.
Binding energy per nucleon
- The binding energy per nucleon is how much binding energy comes from each proton or neutron. The equation for binding energy per nucleon is given by:
- Energy per nucleon = (binding energy) ÷ (number of nucleons)
- Where n is the number of protons plus the number of neutrons.
Test yourself on Binding Energy
What is an exothermic reaction?
How to Calculate Energy Released by Fusion