
Binding energy
Binding energy refers to the energy required to hold particles together in a system, such as atoms in a nucleus or molecules in a compound. It represents the strength of the forces that keep these particles bound to one another. A higher binding energy indicates a more stable arrangement, meaning it takes more energy to separate the components. In practical terms, binding energy helps explain why certain elements are more stable than others and plays a crucial role in processes like nuclear fission, fusion, and even the formation of chemical compounds.