Let mₚ and mₙ be the proton and neutron masses. Let M₁ be the mass of ²⁰₁₀Ne and M₂ the mass of ⁴⁰₂₀Ca. Which statement(s) is/are correct?
Select all that apply

Question

Let mₚ and mₙ be the proton and neutron masses. Let M₁ be the mass of ²⁰₁₀Ne and M₂ the mass of ⁴⁰₂₀Ca. Which statement(s) is/are correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For a bound nucleus, mass is reduced by binding energy: M < Zmₚ + Nmₙ. A more strongly bound nucleus has lower mass. Therefore ⁴⁰₂₀Ca has less mass than two ²⁰₁₀Ne nuclei, so M₂ < 2M₁. Also M₁ is less than the mass of its 10 protons plus 10 neutrons. Correct answer: C, D.