Question

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

• A. $Y\to 2Z$
• B. $W\to X+Z$
• C. $W\to 2Y$
• D. $X\to Y+Z$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $W\to 2Y$

Binding energy of $W$, $|E_W|=120\times 7.5=900$ MeV

Binding energy of $Y$, $|E_Y|=30\times 8.5=255$ MeV

In process : $W\to 2Y$

$Q$ value, $Q=|E_W|-|E_Y|=900-2\left(255\right)=390$ MeV

As $Q$ value is positive, thus energy is released in process $W\to 2Y$