Nuclear Energy

• Mass-Energy Equivalence

  In a nuclear reaction, the loss in energy is equal to the loss of a little mass. When particles collide, their kinetic energy could transfer into mass in newly formed particles
• Binding Energy

  The energy required to completely separate nucleons in a nuceli
• The mass of a nucleus is smaller than the sum of the masses of its constituent nucleons. This difference in mass is called the mass defect
• Binding Energy Per Nucleon

  The average energy required to remove each nucleon from the nucleus. The higher the binding energy per nucleon, the more stable the nucleus
• Unified Atomic Mass Unit (u)

  1/12 of the mass of one atom of Carbon-12. If the mass defect is calculated in terms of u, then the binding energy can be calculated in MeV. (u = 931MeV)
• Fusion

  • Where light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei
  • Energy is released due to a loss in mass
  • Stability increases due to an increase in binding energy per nucleon
• Fission

  • Where a heavy nucleus split into two or more lighter nuclei
  • Energy is released due to a loss in mass
  • Stability increases due to an increase in binding energy per nucleon
• Binding Energy Per Nucleon Curve

  • Graph peaks at nucleon number 60 (Fe)
  • Nuclei are most stable at the peak as they have the highest binding energy per nucleon
  • Nucleons react to move toward the peak
  • Light nuclei become more stable through fusion
  • Heavy nuclei become more stable through fission
  • Reactions cause a loss in mass due to mass-energy equivalence