Question

Given figure shows a plot of binding energy per nucleon $E_b$ against the nuclear mass $M.A,B,C,D,E,F$ correspond to different nuclei. Consider four reactions

(i) $A+B\to C+\epsilon$
(ii) $C\to A+B+\epsilon$
(iii) $D+E\to F+\epsilon$
(iv) $F\to D+E+\epsilon$
Where $\epsilon$ is the energy released. In which reactions is $\epsilon$ positive?

• A. (i) and (iii)
• B. (ii) and (iv)
• C. (ii) and (iii)
• D. (i) and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Energy $\left(\epsilon \right)$ is released when lighter nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus, such as in $(i)$
$A+B\to C+\epsilon$
Again, energy is released when a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, such as in $(iv)$
$F\to D+E+\epsilon$