Which of the following best explains why energy is released when a heavy nucleus such…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics
Problem
Which of the following best explains why energy is released when a heavy nucleus such as 235U splits into two medium-mass nuclei?
(a) The fission fragments have lower average binding energy per nucleon, and the excess energy is released to maintain stability.
(b) The average binding energy per nucleon of the fission fragments is higher than that of the original nucleus.
(c) Some nucleons vanish during fission, so their entire rest-mass is converted directly into energy.
(d) After the nucleus splits, the two positively charged fragments repel each other strongly, and this electrostatic potential energy is converted into heat.