WPH15Topic 5.43 questions
Mass deficit and nuclear binding energy, the atomic mass unit, and nuclear fission and fusion.
Understand the concept of nuclear binding energy and be able to use the equation in calculations of nuclear mass (including mass deficit) and energy
Use the atomic mass unit (u) to express small masses and convert between this and SI units
Understand the processes of nuclear fusion and fission with reference to the binding energy per nucleon curve
Understand the mechanism of nuclear fusion and the need for very high densities of matter and very high temperatures to bring about and maintain nuclear fusion
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Original practice questions written in the style of the exam.
Use the data to calculate the binding energy per nucleon of a helium-4 nucleus, in MeV.
| Particle | Mass / u |
|---|---|
| proton | 1.007 276 |
| neutron | 1.008 665 |
| helium-4 nucleus | 4.001 506 |
is equivalent to .
Explain why nuclear fusion only occurs at very high temperatures and densities, such as in the core of a star.