What is nuclear binding energy?

Nuclear binding energy is the amount of energy that is needed to split a nucleus into many different parts. The split parts are composed of neutrons and protons, and collectively, all the parts are known as nucleons.

The nuclear binding energy of an atom can be calculated from the Einstein relationship. This relationship states that the nuclear binding energy equals delta m multiplied by the speed of light squared. Delta m is a different value for each atom and particle. This type of energy is measured in electron volts or mega electron volts. The values are very large because it takes a large amount of energy to break a part a nucleus.