Binding energy

Fusion · Nuclear Energy

Energy that holds a nucleus together.

Nuclear binding energy is the energy equivalent of the mass defect of a nucleus compared with its free nucleons. Differences in binding energy per nucleon explain why fission of heavy nuclei and fusion of light nuclei can release energy.

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Articles

Why it Works?

In small atoms, from hydrogen to sodium, the binding energy per nucleon increases with an increasing atomic number. This is because each additional nucleon is attracted by other nearby nucleons, and thus more tightly bound to the whole.

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Glossary

Fusion

Joining of light nuclei.

Fission

Splitting of a heavy nucleus.