Mass defect

The mass defect is the difference between the atomic mass of an element, and the sum of the masses of the protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up the atom, which is always slightly bigger. This difference is accounted for during the combination of these particles by conversion into binding energy.

## Sources[edit]

* Keith E.Holbert, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering (Arizona State University): "Nuclear Power Engineering"