Binding energy per nucleon verses mass number curve for nuclei is shown in the figure. $ W, X, Y $ and $ Z $ are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release the energy is,

Question

Binding energy per nucleon verses mass number curve for nuclei is shown in the figure. $ W, X, Y $ and $ Z $ are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release the energy is,, $ Y \rightarrow 2 Z $, $ W \rightarrow X+Z $, $ W \rightarrow 2 Y $, $ X \rightarrow Y+Z $

MARKS App · Accepted Answer

Energy is released in a process where the binding energy of the products is greater than the binding energy of the reactants. Binding energy is given by = BE per nucleon × number of nucleons For, Y → 2 Z Total binding energy of the reactants = 8 . 5 × 60 MeV = 510 MeV Total binding energy of the products = 2 × 5 × 30 MeV = 300 MeV Binding energy of the product is lesser than that of the reactants. For, W → X + Y Total binding energy of the reactants = 120 × 7 . 5 MeV = 900 MeV Total binding energy of the products = 90 × 8 + 30 × 5 MeV = 870 MeV Here, also the binding energy of the product is lesser than that of the reactants. For, W → 2 Y Total binding energy of the reactants = 120 × 7 . 5 MeV = 900 MeV Total binding energy of the products = 2 × ( 60 × 8 . 5 ) MeV = 1020 MeV Here, energy is released as the binding energy of the product is greater than that of the reactants. For, X → Y + Z Total binding energy of reactants = 90 × 8 MeV = 720 MeV Total binding energy of products = 60 × 8 . 5 + 30 × 5 MeV = 660 MeV Here, also binding energy of the product is lesser than that of the reactants. So, energy is released in W → 2 Y

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