Nuclear Binding Energy and Nuclear Force

The nuclear force is responsible for the electrostatic repulsion among protons in the nucleus.

The nuclear force has a long range of influence outside the nucleus.

The mass of a nucleus is always greater than the combined masses of the nucleons in the nucleus.

The binding energy of a nucleon is typically in the kiloelectron volt (keV) range.

The nuclear force is equally effective among all nucleons in the nucleus.

The size of the nucleus is relatively large, with a diameter of ~10^-5 cm.

The density of the nucleus is relatively low, with a density of ~10^3 g/cm³.

The total binding energy of a nucleus is equal to the binding energy of an individual nucleon.

The binding energy of a nucleon must be supplied to remove it from the atomic orbital.

Radionuclides are stable and thus do not decay.

Isotopes have different atomic numbers but the same mass number.

Isotones are nuclides with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Nuclides with the same atomic number and mass number are considered isotopes.

All nuclides are considered radionuclides.

Nuclear Binding Energy

The nucleus of an atom cannot exist according to classical electrostatic theory due to the repulsive force among protons.
The stability of the nucleus is explained by the existence of a strong binding force called the nuclear force.
The nuclear force overcomes the repulsive force of protons and is effective equally among all nucleons.
The nuclear force only exists within the nucleus and has no influence outside.
The short range of the nuclear force leads to a small nucleus size (~10⁻¹³ cm) and high density (~10¹⁴ g/cm³).

Mass Defect and Binding Energy

The mass M of a nucleus is always less than the combined masses of the nucleons A.
The difference in mass (MA) is termed the mass defect, which is used as binding energy for all nucleons in the nucleus.
The average binding energy of a nucleon is equal to the total binding energy divided by the number of nucleons.
The average binding energy of a nucleon is of the order of 6-9 MeV.
Binding energy of an individual nucleon has a definite value depending on the shell it occupies.

Comparison with Electron Binding Energy

Binding energy of nucleons is in the megaelectron volt (MeV) range.
Electron binding energy in the atomic orbital is of the order of kiloelectron volts (keV), a factor of 1000 lower.

Nuclear Nomenclature

A nuclide is defined as an atomic species with a specific number of protons and neutrons arranged in a definite order in the nucleus.

Radionuclides

Radionuclides are unstable nuclides that decay by emitting particles, electromagnetic radiations, or through spontaneous fission.

Isotopes

Isotopes are nuclides with the same atomic number (Z) but different mass numbers (A).
Isotopes exhibit the same chemical properties.
Examples of isotopes: 11C, 12C, and 13C (all carbon isotopes).

Isotones

Isotones are nuclides with the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons.
Examples of isotones: Cs, Xe, and 53I, each having 79 neutrons.

Learn about the nuclear binding energy and the role of nuclear force in holding the nucleus together, despite the electrostatic repulsive force among protons.