- #1
jd12345
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Why is there a mass defect in the nucleus?
I think about mass defect in this way - A comparatively unstable nucleus( i.e. low binding energy) converts to a stabel nucleus( high binding energy)
Intially internal energy was U1 and then it became U2.
So when it converts then some energy should be released which should have a value
U1 - U2
Eg:- two protons far apart have some potential energy, when they get closer potential energy decreases so the lost energy is seen as kinetic energy right?
Similarly when a neutron converts to another why the change in internal energy is seen as a mass defect and not kinetic energy or something else?
I think about mass defect in this way - A comparatively unstable nucleus( i.e. low binding energy) converts to a stabel nucleus( high binding energy)
Intially internal energy was U1 and then it became U2.
So when it converts then some energy should be released which should have a value
U1 - U2
Eg:- two protons far apart have some potential energy, when they get closer potential energy decreases so the lost energy is seen as kinetic energy right?
Similarly when a neutron converts to another why the change in internal energy is seen as a mass defect and not kinetic energy or something else?