Question

A nucleus has ______.

A. more energy than its component neutrons and protons have
B. the same energy as its component neutrons and protons have
C. more energy than its component neutrons and protons have when the nucleus is at rest but less energy than when it is moving
D. less energy than its component neutrons and protons have.

Answer 1

D. less energy than its component neutrons and protons have.

Nuclear bond energy is the amount of energy required to break down the nucleus into its protons and neutrons. It is related to the strong force that holds the nucleus together despite the electromagnetic repulsion. Therefore, the energy of the nucleus is lower compared to the energy of the particles that compose it.