Question

Which statement describes nuclear binding energy?

(A)It is the difference between the masses of the protons and neutrons and the mass of the nucleus.
(B)It is the energy that is required to bind protons and neutrons together in a nucleus.
(C)It is the energy that is required to overcome mass defect.
(D)It is the energy that is required to overcome the electromagnetic force.
(E)It is the result of converting mass to energy.

Answer 1

The answer for Plato users is C. It is the energy that is required to overcome mass defect.

From Plato "Nuclear binding energy is the energy that is required to overcome the energy that is used to keep the nucleus together, the mass defect."

Answer 2

Answer: Option (B) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

As nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons and due to the same charge present n protons there will occur repulsion.

Hence, a binding energy will act on the nucleus of an atom which will bind the protons and neutrons together. When this binding energy is greater than the force of repulsion between the sub-atomic particles of a nucleus then the atom is stable.

Therefore, to change the nucleus of an atom high amount of energy is required. As a result, nuclear reactions tend to release large amount of energy due to changes in the nucleus of an atom.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement it is the energy that is required to bind protons and neutrons together in a nucleus, best describes nuclear binding energy.