Question

In a fission reaction
${}_{92}^{238}U\to {}^{117}X{+}^{117}Y+n+n$
the binding energy per nucleon of X and Y is 8.5 MeV whereas that of ${}^{236}U$ is 7.6 MeV. The total energy liberated will be about

• A. 200 keV
• B. 2 Mev
• C. 200 MeV
• D. 2000 MeV

Answer 1

The correct option is C

200 MeV

Binding energy of X = 8.5 $\times$ 117 = 994.5 MeV and of Y = 8.5 $\times$ 117 = 994.5 MeV. Total binding energy of X + Y = 1989 MeV. Now, binding energy of U - 236 = 7.6 $\times$ 236 = 1793.6 MeV. Energy liberay=ted = 1989 - 1793.6 = 195.4 MeV.
Hence the closest choice is (c)