Nuclear Physics And Radioactivity Question 407

Question: Binding energy per nucleon vs mass number curve for nuclei is shown in the Figure. W, X, F and Z are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release energy is

Options:

A) $ Y\to 2Z~ $

B) $ W\to X+Z, $

C) $ W\to 2Y $

D) $ X\to Y+Z $

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Answer:

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

[c] Energy is released when stability increases. This will happen when binding energy per nucleon increases. Reactant Product Reaction [a] $ 60\times 8.5,MeV $ $ =510,MeV $ $ 2\times 30\times 5 $ $ =300,MeV $ Reaction [b] $ 120\times 7.5 $ $ =900,MeV $ $ (90\times 8+30\times 5) $ $ =870,MeV $ Reaction [c] $ 120\times 7.5 $ $ =900,MeV $ $ 2\times 60\times 8.5 $ $ =1020MeV $ Reaction [d] $ 90\times 8 $ $ =720MeV $ $ (60\times 8.5+30\times 5) $ $ =600,MeV $