When an electrons go to the lower orbital, we say that its energy is reduced, which is the kinetic energy. So what does Nuclear binding energy , what happens to it?
the two fragment nuclei have a higher binding energy per nucleon, and hence the binding energy of the products is greater than that of the reactants. I also understand that the increase in binding energy means that the nucleons lose energy, and this loss of energy in turn causes the reduction in mass, i.e. the mass of the products < mass of reactants.
However, multiple sources state that this energy released in the fission process is converted into kinetic energy of the products (of the two fragment nuclei and neutrons).
If this is the case, then surely an increase in kinetic energy in turn causes and increase in mass of the products, and so if all binding energy is converted into kinetic energy, then there should be no mass loss.
The only explanation I can think of is that not all binding energy is converted into kinetic energy of the products, and that some is just released (as photons perhaps?), meaning there will be a net reduction in mass.
Either way, I do not understand why my textbook states that increase in binding energy = mass difference * c^2, if the products gain kinetic energy from this binding energy.
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