Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release energy is

Question

Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release energy is (A) Y arrow 2Z (B) W arrow X + Z (C) Y arrow 2Y (D) X arrow Y + Z

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Energy is released in a process when total binding energy of
the nucleus (= binding energy per nucleon

\times

number of
nucleons) is increased or we can say, when total binding
energy of products is more than the reactants. By calculation
we can see that only in option (c), this happens.
Given :

W \to 2 Y

Binding energy of reactants

= 120 \times 7.5 = 900 M e V

and binding energy of products=

2 (60 \times 8.5)

=1020

M e V > 900 M e V

Q. Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for
nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei
indicated on the curve. The process that would release
energy is

$Y \to 2 Z$

$W \to X + Z$

$Y \to 2 Y$

$X \to Y + Z$

Q. Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release energy is

Y→2Z

W→X+Z

Y→2Y

X→Y+Z

Q. Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for
nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei
indicated on the curve. The process that would release
energy is

$Y \to 2 Z$

$W \to X + Z$

$Y \to 2 Y$

$X \to Y + Z$