Calculate the binding energy of an `alpha`-particle in MeV Given : `m_(p)` (mass of proton) = 1.007825 amu, `m_(n)` (mass of neutron) = 1.008665 amu Mass of the nucleus `=4.002800 amu, 1 amu = 931 MeV.

Explanation

An `alpha`-particle is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons,
Mass of 2 protons = `2 xx 1.007825 = 2.015650` amu
Mass of 2 neutrons `=2 xx 1.008665 = 2.017330` amu
Total mass of neutrons and protons.
`=(2.015650 + 2.017330)` amu = 4.032980 amu
Also, mass of He nucleus = 4.002800 amu
`therefore` Mass defect, `Deltam = 0.030180` amu
Binding energy of alpha particle is given by
B.E. `=DeltaM xx 931 MeV` = 28.097 MeV