Astrophysics (Index)About

binding energy

(energy needed to separate two objects)

Binding energy is the amount of energy required to separate two objects that are bound together by some force. The concept and term are used in respect to nuclear reactions, ionization, chemical reactions, but also applies to items bound together by gravity. Given that it refers to energy required, it is generally expressed as a negative number, and when the opposite is done, i.e., the two unbound objects are bound together, binding energy is released, and this is expressed as a positive number. Examples:

In the nuclear case (nuclear binding energy), transformations that release binding energy (e.g., fusion) are of detailed interest due to their role in powering stars and some transients. In fact, a major step in developing current models of stellar structure was the conceptualization of fusion reactions that could be plausibly triggered by the Sun's internal temperature and pressure and that would release significant binding energy, i.e., sufficient energy to power the Sun for its billions of years. The power associated with the release of binding energy due to gravity can be as significant as that of fusion, e.g., during star formation, or when it involves a compact object.


(physics,ionization)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_energy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_binding_energy
https://www.britannica.com/science/binding-energy
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/NucEne/nucbin.html
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/binding_energy

Referenced by pages:
core collapse
dalton (Da)
electron orbital
energy
fusion
gravitationally bound
hardness
ionization potential
iron peak
Kelvin-Helmholtz timescale (KH timescale)
mass number (A)
neutrinoless double beta decay
nickel (Ni)
protogalaxy
Stark effect
valley of beta stability
Zeeman effect

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