PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics
Problem
A heavy nucleus splits into two fragments, each having a higher average binding energy per nucleon than the original nucleus. Which statement best explains why this fission process releases energy?
(a) Some nucleons are converted directly into energy during fission, so the loss of mass number itself releases the energy.
(b) The total binding energy of the fragments is smaller than that of the original nucleus, and this missing energy is emitted as radiation.
(c) The total binding energy of the fragments is greater than that of the original nucleus, so the difference appears as released energy.
(d) The electrostatic repulsion between protons in the fragments almost disappears, and the vanishing Coulomb energy is released.