The binding energy of a nucleus is the energy that must be supplied to separate

Question

The binding energy of a nucleus is the energy that must be supplied to separate a nucleus into individual protons and neutrons. That is, the total energy of the separated protons and neutrons is greater than the total energy of the bound nucleus. What does this tell us about the sum of the masses of the individual protons and neutrons compared to the mass of the nucleus?

a. The sum of the masses of the individual protons and neutrons is less than the mass of the nucleus.
b. The sum of the masses of the individual protons and neutrons equals the mass of the nucleus.
c. The sum of the masses of the individual protons and neutrons is greater than the mass of the nucleus.

Explanation / Answer

c. The sum of the masses of the individual protons and neutrons is greater than the mass of the nucleus.

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