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Exit to A Level Nuclear Physics Hub

Nuclear Structure & Binding Energy Explorer

Switch between notation, mass-defect, BE/A-curve, and fission-fusion views so nuclear stability and energy-release arguments stay coherent.

  • GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Interpret nuclear structure, isotopes and Rutherford scattering.
  • Apply conservation laws to nuclear equations and beta decay, including antineutrino evidence.
  • Use mass-energy equivalence, mass defect and binding energy.
  • Relate binding energy per nucleon to fission, fusion, applications and hazards.

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Explorer setup

Main mode
Hints and reset
Options

Nuclear checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

    Practice run

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    Run mode
    Try Nuclear Physics Quiz

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    Study lensUse nuclide notation, proton number, neutron number, and nucleon number without mixing them up.15 min activity

    Try this

    Keep A, Z, and N separate first, then connect Δm to binding energy before making any stability claim.

    Learn to

    • Use nuclide notation, proton number, neutron number, and nucleon number without mixing them up.
    • Relate mass defect to total binding energy and binding energy per nucleon with unit-safe working.
    • Interpret the BE/A curve to compare stability and explain why fission or fusion can release energy.

    Exam transfer

    • Nuclear equations
    • Stability interpretation
    • Energy release reasoning

    Governing idea

    Mass defect releases binding energy through E = Δmc². Binding energy per nucleon, rather than total binding energy alone, is the useful stability comparison.

    Model boundary

    Mass conventions must be used consistently, and the binding-energy curve is schematic. Detailed nuclear structure and decay pathways are outside the model.

    Avoid this trap

    A nucleus with greater total binding energy is not automatically more tightly bound per nucleon; compare BE/A when reasoning about stability and energy release.

    How to explore

    Move from nuclide notation and nuclear equations to mass defect, binding energy, the BE/A curve, and fission/fusion reasoning.

    Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

    About this activity

    Switch between notation, mass-defect, BE/A-curve, and fission-fusion views so nuclear stability and energy-release arguments stay coherent. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

    How this activity affects progress
    Course and syllabus information
    Course
    GCE A-Level H2 Physics
    Edition
    GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027