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E=mc2 - mass energy conversion

Q1.

(a) State what is meant by the binding energy of a nucleus.

(2 marks)

(b)

(i) The iron isotope (atomic mass: 55.93493) has a very high binding energy per nucleon. Calculate its value in MeV.

Use the following data:

mass of proton = 1.00728 u

mass of neutron = 1.00867 u

mass of electron = 0.00055 u

(ii) If the isotope were assembled from its constituent particles, what would be the mass change, in kg, during its formation?

(6 marks)

(Total 8 marks)