Which statement about nuclear binding energy is true? it is the attraction of the positive nucleus to negative electrons. it must be overcome to break a nucleus apart into protons and neutrons. it is the energy that holds atoms together in a molecule. it is created when particles drift far apart.

I think the correct answer would be the second option. Nuclear binding energy is the amount of energy that must be overcome to break a nucleus apart into protons and neutrons. The protons and neutrons are called the nucleons. We can calculate this value from the product of the mass defect and the square of the speed of light which is commonly known as Einstein's special-relativity equation, E = mc^2. This energy is a result of the effect of the two forces known as the strong nuclear forces which binds the nucleons and the electromagnetic force of the positively charged protons.