Nuclear Binding Energy and Reactions
What holds a nucleus together, and how nuclei can release energy.
Binding Energy
The binding energy of a nucleus is the energy required to break it apart into its individual protons and neutrons — it is a measure of the nucleus's stability.
Nuclear Fission and Fusion
- Fission — a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, releasing energy
- Fusion — light nuclei combine into a heavier nucleus, releasing energy (the process that powers the Sun)
Lesson 29 of 32