Binding energy
What Binding energy means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Binding energy
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Binding energy in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The energy needed to separate a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons, or released when the nucleus forms.
The energy corresponding to the mass defect of a nucleus, such as roughly 28.3 MeV for helium-4.
The energy needed to separate a nucleus into its individual nucleons, found from E = Δmc².
Topics that use Binding energy
- Mass and energy (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Nuclear fission and fusion (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Energy release in nuclear reactions
- Mass defect
- Nuclear stability
- Alpha and beta decay
- Atomic mass unit
- Barium
- Binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number curve
- Binding energy per nucleon comparisons
Using Binding energy in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge