Compared with the sum of isolated-nucleon masses, their collective mass in a composite nucleus is
A)more.
B)less.
C)the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The collective mass of the nucleons in a composite nucleus is less than the sum of the isolated-nucleon masses, which is known as the mass defect. This is due to the conversion of some of the mass to energy during the formation of the nucleus, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². Therefore, the total mass of the nucleus is less than the sum of its constituents.

Compared with the Sum of Isolated-Nucleon Masses, Their Collective Mass