IB Physics HL E.3.2 Binding energy and mass defect Question Bank

Practise IB Physics SL/HL E.3.2 by applying binding energy and mass defect concepts to exam-style physics questions.

Exam points

identify the relevant physical quantity, model or diagram
apply the correct equation and units to the evidence
justify the result using conservation laws, fields or energy relationships

[Maximum number: 3]

The binding energy of the stable nuclide ${ }_{54}^{131} \mathrm{Xe}$ is 1.105 GeV .

(a)

Outline what is meant by binding energy.

[ 1 ]

(b)

Calculate, in $\mathrm{GeV} \mathrm{c}^{-2}$ , the mass of a nucleus of ${ }_{54}^{131} \mathrm{Xe}$ .

[ 2 ]

Use of Binding energy = mass of separate nucleons - mass of nucleus
$\begin{aligned} \text { « } 1105=54 \times 938+77 \times 940-M c^{2} \text { » } M=122 \text { « } \mathrm{GeVc}^{-2} \text { » } \end{aligned}$

Do not allow BCA.

Award ECF from using binding energy with incorrect sign.

An answer that doesn't include binding energy scores [0].

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E.3.2—Binding energy and mass defect question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)