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Binding energy and mass defect in the nucleus

My physics teacher always refers to the two as if there's a causal relationship in that direction (higher binding energy -> greater mass defect) and I didn't get the chance to check this with her before the holidays. Is it correct to say a higher binding energy causes a greater mass defect in the nucleus? It makes more sense to me that it's the other way round.
Reply 1
Avatar for teachercol
teachercol
9
Its not so much a question of cause and effect - they are different ways of saying the same thing

binding energy = mass defect x c^2
Reply 2
Avatar for Dynamo123
Dynamo123
7
YUP. Both represent inevitably the same thing. If mass defect is large, energy for joining or separating nuclear constituents will be large

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From the equation E=mc^2, you can see E is proportional to m. Therefore binding energy is proportional to mass defect.
Reply 4
Avatar for MahatmaCane
MahatmaCane
OP
Right, I get that. Thanks!

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