Nuclear energy units — MeV usage The unit “million electron volts” (MeV) is commonly used as a measure of nuclear-scale energies (for example, binding energies and reaction Q-values). Is this statement correct?

Introduction / Context:
Energy scales in nuclear physics are orders of magnitude larger than typical chemical energies. Convenient units reflect this scale so that reaction energies, particle rest-mass energies, and binding energies can be expressed without awkward exponents.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• 1 electron volt (eV) is the energy gained by an electron moving through a potential difference of 1 volt.
• 1 MeV = 10^6 eV.
• Conversion: 1 eV ≈ 1.602 × 10^−19 J.

Concept / Approach:
Nuclear binding energies per nucleon are typically on the order of a few MeV. Reaction Q-values and gamma energies are likewise expressed in keV or MeV. While SI units require Joules, MeV is the standard convenient unit in nuclear engineering and physics literature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall 1 MeV in Joules: 1 MeV ≈ 1.602 × 10^−13 J.Compare to chemical bond energies (~eV scale), showing nuclear energies are ~10^6 times larger.Therefore, using MeV is customary and practical for nuclear energy scales.

Verification / Alternative check:
Mass-energy equivalence uses MeV/c^2 for particle masses (e.g., proton ~938 MeV/c^2), reinforcing the conventional usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“False” contradicts standard practice in nuclear data tables and reactor physics.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing MeV (energy) with MeV/c^2 (mass units); they are related but not the same dimension.

Final Answer:
True