A nucleus X (A = 30) has a binding energy per nucleon of about 8.4 MeV
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics
Problem
A nucleus X (A = 30) has a binding energy per nucleon of about 8.4 MeV. Suppose it splits into two fragments: Y (A = 10, binding energy per nucleon ≈ 7.5 MeV) and Z (A = 20, binding energy per nucleon ≈ 8.0 MeV), with no neutrons emitted. Which statement correctly describes the energy change in this hypothetical reaction?
(a) Energy released, about 17 MeV
(b) Energy released, about 235 MeV
(c) Energy absorbed, about 17 MeV
(d) Energy absorbed, about 34 MeV