The nucleus of an atom is a powerhouse of energies, intricately balanced between attractive and repulsive forces. It’s within this space that the intriguing phenomenon of mass defect emerges. In essence, the mass defect provides insight into the energy that keeps a nucleus bound together. For NEET aspirants, understanding this concept can open up a world of comprehension into nuclear physics. Let’s delve into the intricacies of mass defect with these 15 MCQs to bolster your NEET preparations.
1. What is the mass defect of a nucleus?
Answer:
Explanation:
The mass defect refers to the discrepancy in mass when considering an atom's nucleus as a whole versus its individual components.
2. The energy equivalent of the mass defect is termed as:
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Explanation:
The binding energy is the energy equivalent of the mass defect and represents the energy required to disassemble a nucleus.
3. Which equation relates mass defect to energy?
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Explanation:
Einstein's famous equation, E = mc², relates energy (E) to mass (m) and the speed of light (c).
4. A higher mass defect indicates:
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Explanation:
A higher mass defect typically corresponds to a higher binding energy, indicating a more tightly bound, stable nucleus.
5. Which nuclear process results in the conversion of mass defect into energy?
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Explanation:
Both fusion (combining of lighter nuclei) and fission (splitting of heavy nuclei) can result in a release of energy due to the conversion of mass defect into energy.
6. Why is there a mass defect in the nucleus?
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Explanation:
The mass defect arises because some mass is converted into energy to bind the nucleus together.
7. For which element is the binding energy per nucleon the highest?
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Explanation:
Iron has one of the highest binding energies per nucleon, making it one of the most stable elements.
8. Mass defect is responsible for the energy produced in:
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Explanation:
In nuclear reactions, the conversion of mass defect into energy leads to the tremendous amounts of energy produced.
9. The unit of binding energy is:
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Explanation:
Binding energy can be measured in Joules (SI unit) or in MeV (mega electron volts) in nuclear physics contexts.
10. What causes a decrease in mass during nuclear fusion?
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Explanation:
In nuclear fusion, a portion of the mass gets converted into energy, resulting in the observed mass defect.
11. Which of the following reactions have been responsible for the energy of the sun?
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Explanation:
The Sun's energy primarily comes from fusion reactions where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium.
12. A smaller mass defect would mean:
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Explanation:
A smaller mass defect corresponds to a smaller binding energy and thus a smaller amount of energy that can be released in nuclear reactions.
13. The binding energy per nucleon generally:
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Explanation:
Binding energy per nucleon first increases with atomic number, reaching a maximum around iron, and then starts to decrease for heavier elements.
14. Which of the following is a direct result of mass defect?
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Explanation:
The energy produced in stars, such as our Sun, is a direct result of the mass defect during nuclear fusion reactions.
15. If the binding energy of a nucleus increases:
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Explanation:
A higher binding energy indicates a more tightly bound nucleus, implying greater stability.