Question
Show that the minimum energy needed to separate a proton from a nucleus with Z protons and N neutrons is:
$\Delta\text{E}=(\text{M}_{\text{Z}-1,\text{N}}+\text{M}_{\text{H}}-\text{M}_{\text{Z,N}})\text{c}^2$
where MZ,N = mass of an atom with Z protons and N neutrons in the nucleus and MH = mass of a hydrogen atom. This energy is known as proton-separation energy.

Answer

EZ.N. → EZ-1, N + P1 ⇒ EZ.N. → EZ-1, N + 1H1 [As hydrogen has no neutrons but protons only]
$\Delta$E = (MZ-1, N + NH - MZ,N)c2

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