Question 1
The diagram shows binding energy per nucleon plotted against mass number for various nuclei. What key feature of this curve explains why both fission and fusion release energy?
Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer
Physics · Unit 1 · Ionising radiation and nuclear reactions · Nuclear model and stability
Describe the concepts of mass defect, binding energy and binding energy per nucleon.
Practise this objective
AI-marked practice questions tied to QCAA mark schemes for this exact LO. Free to start.
Start free practicePractice questions for this objective
Full questions, answers and worked solutions unlock when you start a free practice session.
Question 2
What does the term 'mass defect' refer to in nuclear physics?
Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer
Question 3
A nucleus has a mass that is 0.528% less than the sum of the masses of its constituent protons and neutrons. What does this information directly indicate about the nucleus?
Worked answer
🔒 Start free to see full answer