Explain mass defect and derive it

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Mass Defect Definition in Physics and Chemistry

Mass is associated with the binding energy between nucleons

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A mass defect occurs when the mass of an atom is different from the sum of the masses of its subatomic particles.

A mass defect occurs when the mass of an atom is different from the sum of the masses of its subatomic particles. RICHARD KAIL / Getty Images

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Updated November 06, 2019

In physics and chemistry, a mass defect refers to the difference in mass between an atom and the sum of the masses of the protons, neutrons, and electrons of the atom.

This mass is typically associated with the binding energy between nucleons. The "missing" mass is the energy released by the formation of the atomic nucleus. Einstein's formula, E = mc2, may be applied to calculate the binding energy of a nucleus. According to the formula, when energy increases, mass and inertia increase. Removing energy reduces mass.

Key Takeaways: Mass Defect Definition

A mass defect is the difference between an atom's mass and the sum of the masses of its protons, neutrons, and electrons.

The reason the actual mass is different from the masses of the components is because some of the mass is released as energy when protons and neutrons bind in the atomic nucleus. Thus, the mass defect results in a lower-than-expected mass.

The mass defect follows the conservation laws, where the sum of mass and energy of a system is constant, but matter can be converted into energy.

Mass Defect Example

an obstruction

vapour or gas assuming atmospheriv pressure