Basis Theory of Nuclear Energy

During some nuclear reactions, a small loss in mass. Am, means that a corresponding liberation of energy, AE, occurs. During a chemical reaction, some heat may be liberated or absorbed, but there is no measurable change in mass. The law of conservation of mass is valid. The simplified model of the atom is that of a nucleus surrounded by electrons. The nucleus is composed of protons, Z, 

Roussak and H.D. Gesser, Applied Chemistry A Textbook for Engineers and Technologists, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-4262-2 7, Springer Science-I-Business Media New York 2013 

The notation used to represent the nucleus of an isotope is in terms of the symbol of these elements, E, which has the appropriate number of protons Z and the mass number A where A = Z + N and N is 

The mass of the components of the nucleus is invariably (except for H) greater than the actual mass of the nucleus. The difference (a mass defect) represents the binding energy of the nucleus, AE, and represents the energy needed to break a nucleus into its individual components (Fig. 7.2). 

There are about 300 stable isotopes and over 1,000 unstable (radioactive) isotopes which have been characterized. Nuclei with the same mass number A but having different nuclear charges Z are 

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