Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- The Nucleus
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · The Nucleus
Which of the following statements provides an incorrect description...
Which of the following statements provides an incorrect description of the binding energy of a nucleus?
Options
- AIt is the total kinetic energy of all the nucleons contained within the nucleus.
- BIt is equal to the total rest mass energy of the individual nucleons minus the rest mass energy of the assembled nucleus.
- CIt represents the energy needed to separate a nucleus into its individual constituent nucleons.
- DIt is the energy released when free nucleons fuse together to form a nucleus.
Correct answer
A. It is the total kinetic energy of all the nucleons contained within the nucleus.
Step-by-step solution
The binding energy of a nucleus is defined as the minimum energy required to completely separate the nucleus into its constituent nucleons. Equivalently, it is the energy released when free nucleons come together to form the nucleus.
Mathematically, it is equal to the mass defect multiplied by the square of the speed of light, which is the difference between the total rest mass energy of the individual nucleons and the rest mass energy of the assembled nucleus.
Binding energy is not the total kinetic energy of the nucleons contained within the nucleus. Therefore, the statement regarding kinetic energy is incorrect.
Mathematically, it is equal to the mass defect multiplied by the square of the speed of light, which is the difference between the total rest mass energy of the individual nucleons and the rest mass energy of the assembled nucleus.
Binding energy is not the total kinetic energy of the nucleons contained within the nucleus. Therefore, the statement regarding kinetic energy is incorrect.