If M(A, Z), Mp and Mn denote the masses of the nucleus AZX, proton and neutron respectively in units of u (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2) and BE represents its binding energy in MeV, then
- M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A - Z)Mn - BE
- M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A - Z)Mn + BE/c2
- M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A - Z)Mn - BE/c2
- M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A - Z)Mn + BE
Answer
(3) M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A - Z)Mn - BE/c2
Solution
Mass defect: M = [ZMp + (A - Z)Mn] - M(A, Z)
Binding energy: BE = M c2 M = BEc2
M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A - Z)Mn - BEc2
Answer: (3)