Cambridge AS & A Level Physics
23.1Mass defect and nuclear binding energy
Mass defect and nuclear binding energy in Cambridge AS & A Level Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic44 practice questions2 lessons
Learning objectives
What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.
- 23.1.1Recall and use E = mc² and the equivalence of mass and energy.
- 23.1.2Represent simple nuclear reactions by nuclear equations.
- 23.1.3Define and use mass defect and binding energy.
- 23.1.4Sketch binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number.
- 23.1.5Explain nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
- 23.1.6Relate binding energy per nucleon to energy release in fusion and fission.
- 23.1.7Calculate the energy released in nuclear reactions from mass changes.
Lessons
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Mass-energy equivalence, mass defect and binding energy
50 min
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Nuclear fission and fusion
45 min
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Sample question
A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.
Turn Mass defect and nuclear binding energy into a strength.
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