Mass Defect NEET MCQ

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?

a) The difference between the actual mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons
b) The total mass of the nucleus
c) The mass of the electron
d) The difference in mass between the nucleus and the atom

Answer:

a) The difference between the actual mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons

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:

a) Atomic energy
b) Nuclear energy
c) Binding energy
d) Electron energy

Answer:

c) Binding energy

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?

a) E = m
b) E = m²c
c) E = mc
d) E = mc²

Answer:

d) E = mc²

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:

a) Lower stability of the nucleus
b) Higher stability of the nucleus
c) No effect on stability
d) Random stability

Answer:

b) Higher stability of the nucleus

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?

a) Fusion
b) Fission
c) Ionization
d) Both a) and b)

Answer:

d) Both a) and b)

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?

a) Due to energy conservation
b) Due to the binding energy of the nucleus
c) As a result of quantum mechanics
d) Because of the presence of electrons

Answer:

b) Due to the binding energy of the nucleus

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?

a) Hydrogen
b) Uranium
c) Iron
d) Helium

Answer:

c) Iron

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:

a) Chemical reactions
b) Elastic collisions
c) Nuclear reactions
d) Ionic reactions

Answer:

c) Nuclear reactions

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:

a) Joules
b) MeV
c) Watts
d) Both a) and b)

Answer:

d) Both a) and b)

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?

a) Loss of electrons
b) Conversion of mass into energy
c) Absorption of energy
d) Conversion of energy into mass

Answer:

b) Conversion of mass into energy

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?

a) Chemical reactions
b) Fission reactions
c) Fusion reactions
d) Decay reactions

Answer:

c) Fusion reactions

Explanation:

The Sun's energy primarily comes from fusion reactions where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium.

12. A smaller mass defect would mean:

a) Greater release of energy
b) Smaller release of energy
c) No release of energy
d) Random release of energy

Answer:

b) Smaller release of energy

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:

a) Increases with increasing atomic number
b) Decreases with increasing atomic number
c) Remains constant with atomic number
d) First increases then decreases with atomic number

Answer:

d) First increases then decreases with atomic number

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?

a) Atomic spectra
b) Radioactive decay
c) Energy in stars
d) Chemical bonding

Answer:

c) Energy in stars

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:

a) Its stability decreases
b) Its stability increases
c) Its stability remains the same
d) It undergoes radioactive decay

Answer:

b) Its stability increases

Explanation:

A higher binding energy indicates a more tightly bound nucleus, implying greater stability.

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