I keep getting “Mass–energy and binding energy” questions wrong in Modern Physics. What's the trap?
ignoring the mass defect when computing nuclear energy.
The usual trap: ignoring the mass defect when computing nuclear energy. How to avoid it: fusion and fission both release the difference in binding energy. Go back to the definition — a nucleus weighs less than its parts; the missing mass becomes binding energy via E = Δmc².
Key point
Mass–energy and binding energy
Common mistake
ignoring the mass defect when computing nuclear energy.
Memory tip
fusion and fission both release the difference in binding energy.
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