Enter the change in mass into the calculator to determine the binding energy of a nucleus.

Binding Energy Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a binding energy.

E = M*c^2 

E = ^M*c2

  • Where E is the binding energy
  • ^M is the change in mass of the reaction
  • c is the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s)

To calculate binding energy, multiply the change in mass by the speed of light squared.

Binding Energy Definition

Binding energy is defined as the energy required to combine two atoms into a single atom.


Binding Energy Example

How to calculate a binding energy?

  1. First, determine the mass defect.

    Calculate the change in mass of the process. For this example, we will say the change in mass is 3.3435*10^-27 kg

  2. Next, determine the speed of light.

    We know this value to be 299,792,458 m/s.

  3. Finally, calculate the binding energy.

    Using the formula we find the biding energy to be 3.0048e^-10.

FAQ

What is a binding energy?

Binding energy is a term used in physics to describe the required energy to combine atoms into new nuclei during nuclear fusion.

What is mass defect?

A mass defect is a measure of the mass lost during the combination of nuclei in nuclear fusion. This mass defect is also considered the change in mass.