# Nuclear Binding Energy (BE)

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BE =
Tags:
Rating
ID
ekskekel.Nuclear Binding Energy (BE)
UUID
79105e6c-3331-11e6-9770-bc764e2038f2

The Nuclear Binding Energy (BE) calculator computes the energy released in the in the formation of an atom based on the change in mass (Δm).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

Nuclear Binding Energy (BE): The calculator returns the energy (BE) in joules.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

#### The Math / Science

The equation for Nuclear Binding Energy calculates the energy released in the formation of an atom from subatomic particles. This can be expressed in a rewritten form of the Einstein relationship:

BE = Δmc2

Where:

• BE = nuclear binding energy in Joules (J)
• Δm = difference in mass of the alpha particle and the sum of its parts (protons and neutrons) in kilograms (kg)
• c = speed of light (c) (2.99792458 x 108 m/s)

Nuclear binding energy is the energy equivalent of the mass deficiency of an atom. Mass deficiency is the amount of matter that would be converted into energy if an atom were constructed from fundamental particles1. So, essentially, nuclear binding energy is the energy released from an atom if it were formed from individual protons and neutrons.

## Supplemental Material

HyperPhysics: Nuclear Binding Energy

Chem.Purdue: Nuclear Binding Energy

vCalc Mass Deficiency

## References

[1] Whitten, et al. "Chemistry" 10th Edition. Pp. 855-856

This equation, Nuclear Binding Energy (BE), is listed in 2 Collections.