This difference is known as the mass defect. It is equivalent to the binding energy of the nucleus, using \(E = mc^{2}\). In fission, an unstable nucleus is converted into more stable nuclei with ...

HMS Vanguard arrived at Devonport for maintenance in 2015 and had been due to leave in 2020 Inspectors found a "defect" on a nuclear submarine which had been at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth for ...