Which of these statements explains the difference between nuclear binding energy and the strong nuclear force? Check all that apply.

A) Nuclear binding energy holds the nuclear particles together

B) Nuclear binding energy is the energy needed to separate nuclear particles.

C) The strong nuclear force holds an atom’s protons and neutrons together.

D) The strong nuclear force is the energy released during radioactive decay processes.

E) The strong nuclear force is directly responsible for radioactive decay.

F) Nuclear binding energy can be calculated using E = mc^2.