Find the binding energy of the tritium nucleus: [Given: mass of 1 H ^3=3.01605 ~u ; ~m _ p =1.00782 ~u ; ~m _ n =1.00866 ~u .]

Step-by-step solution

The tritium nucleus ³₁H consists of 1 proton and 2 neutrons. Mass of constituents = m_p + 2m_n = 1.00782 + 2 1.00866 = 1.00782 + 2.01732 = 3.02514 u . Mass defect m = (m_p + 2m_n) - m_ nucleus = 3.02514 - 3.01605 = 0.00909 u . Binding energy = m 931.5 MeV/u = 0.00909 931.5 8.467 MeV . Rounding to the nearest given option, the binding energy is approximately 8.5 MeV. Answer: 8.5 MeV