Chapter 20.2, Problem

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear binding energy in joules and the nuclear binding energy per nucleon for the given nucleus are to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The nuclear binding energy of ${}^{238}\text{U}$ is calculated by using the relation:

$\Delta E=\left(\Delta m\right){\text{c}}^2$

Here, $\Delta m$ is the mass defect and c is the speed of light.

Mass defect is defined as the difference between the given mass and the predicted mass. Thus, the formula of mass defect is as follows:

$\Delta m=\text{Given mass}-\text{Predicted mass}$

Here, $\Delta m$ is the mass defect.