Question

In a nuclear reaction some mass converts into energy. In this reaction total B.E of reactants when compared with that of products is:

• A. always greater
• B. always less
• C. either greater or less
• D. always equal

Answer 1

The correct option is B always less

The difference in mass between the separate particles and the nuclide is called the mass defect. This 'missing mass' accounts for the binding energy..
Binding energy of the products is always greater than the binding energy of the reactants and the difference is released as energy.