Mn and Mp represent the mass of neutron and proton respectively. An element having mass M has N neutrons and Z protons, then the correct relation will be
- M < \N Mn + Z Mp\
- M > \N Mn + Z Mp\
- M = \N Mn + Z Mp\
- M = N\Mn + Mp\
Answer
(1) M < \N Mn + Z Mp\
Solution
When nucleons combine to form a nucleus, energy (binding energy) is released, so the mass of the nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of its free nucleons.
Mass defect: M = \N Mn + Z Mp\ - M > 0
∴ M < \N Mn + Z Mp\
Answer: (1)