The binding energy of a nucleus gives a _________ contribution to the mass of the nucleus.
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A.
negligible
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B.
zero
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C.
negative
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D.
positive
Correct Answer:
C. negative
Explanation:
The binding energy represents the energy released when a nucleus is formed from individual nucleons, or equivalently, the energy required to disassemble it. According to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, this lost energy corresponds to a reduction in the total mass of the system. Therefore, the actual mass of a nucleus is always less than the combined mass of its constituent protons and neutrons, making the binding energy's contribution to the total nuclear mass negative.
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