Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of the ${}^4\text{He}$ nucleus. The atomic mass of ${}^4\text{He}$ is $4.002603,\text{u}$. The masses of a proton and a neutron are $1.007276,\text{u}$ and $1.008665,\text{u}$ respectively. Use $1,\text{u}=931.5,\text{MeV}/c^2$.

Step-by-step solution

1. Determine the total mass of the separated nucleons by adding the masses of two protons and two neutrons.
2. Calculate the mass defect by subtracting the nuclear mass from the total separated mass.
3. Convert the mass defect to energy using the factor $931.5,\text{MeV}/\text{u}$.
4. Divide the total binding energy by the number of nucleons (4) to get the energy per nucleon.
5. Round to two significant figures.

Concept tested: Binding energy per nucleon

Published 21 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked