Question

`M_p` denotes the mass of a proton and `M_n` that of a neutron. A given nucleus, of binding energy `B`, contains `Z` protons and `N` neutrons. The mass `M(N,Z)` of the nucleus is given by.
A. `M(N,Z)= NM_n + ZM_p - Bc^2`
B. `M(N,Z) = NM_n + ZM_p + Bc^2`
C. `M(N,Z) = NM_n + ZM_p - B//c^2`
D. `M(N,Z) = NM,, + ZM_p + B//c^2`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
( c) Binding energy of a nucleus containing `N` neutrons and `Z` protons is
`B = [NM_n + ZM_p - M(N,Z)]c^2`
`rArr (B)/(c^2) = NM_n + ZM_p - M(N,Z)`
`rArr M(N,Z) = NM_n + ZM_p - B//c^2`.