The actual measured mass of a helium nucleus is amu, while the expected mass calculated from its con — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The mass defect $\Delta m = 4.03410 - 4.00390 = 0.03020$ amu. This missing mass converts to binding energy ($E = \Delta m c^2$), which must be supplied to break the nucleus apart. Option C is incorrect because a higher mass defect directly yields a higher binding energy, thereby increasing nuclear stability.