- #1
kraphysics
- 41
- 0
We are studying nuclear physics right now and I don't quite understand the concept of binding energy. So, as I understand it binding energy is the work done to remove the nucleons which are bound together by the strong nuclear force. But then during radioactive decay, when you do the equations, how come you calculate energy using difference in mass of parent and daughter atoms and not nucleons/nucleus? I thought the electrons didn't have anything to do with binding energy? I am confused.