Question

Binding energy per nucleons vs mass curve for nucleus is shown in the figure `W,X,Y`and `Z` are four nuclei indicated on the curve . The process that would release energy is

A. `Yto2Z`
B. `WtoX+Y`
C. `Wto2Y`
D. `XtoY+Z`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
Energy is released in a process when total binding energy (BE) of the nucleus is increased or we can say when total BE of products is more than the reactants. By calculation we can see that only in case of option (c ), this happens.
Given, `W to 2Y`
BE of reactants `=120xx7.5=900 MeV` and BE of products `=90xx8+60xx8.5=1230MeV` i.e., BE of products `gt` BE of reactants.