Calculate the mass defectin amu for the formation of phosphorus-31. The mass of aphosphorus-31 nucleus is 30.973765 amu. The masses of a proton anda neutron are 1.00728 and 1.00866 amu, respectively.

The mass defect for the formation of phosphorus-31 is 0.273995 amu

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

A phosphorus-31 nucleus has 15 protons and 16 neutrons

The masses of a proton anda neutron are 1.00728 and 1.00866 amu

Step 2: Calculate the mass defect

The mass defect is the difference between the mass of a nucleus and the total mass of its constituent particles.

The mass of 15 protons = 15 * 1.00728 = 15.1092 amu

The mass of 16 neutrons = 16 * 1.00866 = 16.13856 amu

The mass of protons + neutrons = 15.1092 amu + 16.13856 amu = 31.24776 amu

The mass defect = 31.24776 - 30.973765 = 0.273995 amu

The mass defect for the formation of phosphorus-31 is 0.273995 amu