In the reaction

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics

Problem

In the reaction

^{235}_{92}\mathrm{U}+ ^1_0\mathrm n \rightarrow ^{141}_{56}\mathrm{Ba}+ ^{92}_{36}\mathrm{Kr}+ 3\,^1_0\mathrm n + \text{energy}

, about

200\,\text{MeV}

of energy is liberated. Which one of the following statements correctly accounts for this release of energy? (a) The binding energy per nucleon of

^{235}\mathrm U

is larger than that of the two fragments, so the excess energy is emitted. (b) The repulsive electrostatic force between the two positively charged fragments converts their potential energy entirely into kinetic energy without any change in mass. (c) The binding energy per nucleon of the fragments is larger than that of

^{235}\mathrm U

, so the decrease in total mass appears as energy. (d) Energy is released because each newly produced neutron transforms all of its rest mass into energy.

Related theory

Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear Binding Energy
Nuclear fission and fusion
Nuclear physics
Atomic Structure
Nuclei

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