Question

If a star can convert all of the Helium nuclei, completely into oxygen nuclei, the energy released per oxygen nucleus is,
[Mass of Helium nucleus $=4.0026\text{amu}$ and mass of Oxygen nucleus $=15.9994\text{amu}$]

• A. $7.6\text{MeV}$
  
• B. $10.24\text{MeV}$
• C. $23.9\text{MeV}$
• D. $56.12\text{MeV}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $10.24\text{MeV}$

The fusion reaction taking place in the star is given by,
$4{(}_{2}H{e}^4)\to {}_8{O}^{16}$

Mass defect in the above reaction is, $\Delta m=4\times 4.0026-15.9994=0.011\text{amu}$

Energy released per oxygen nucleus $\left(\text{in}\text{MeV}\right)$ is,
$E=\Delta m\times 931.5$
$=(16.0104-15.9994)\times 931.5$
$=10.2465\text{MeV}$