Question

In fission of one uranium-235 nucleus, the loss in mass is 0.2amu. Calculate the energy released.

• A. 186.2 MeV
• B. 182.6 MeV
• C. 156.4 MeV
• D. 189.1 MeV

Answer 1

The correct option is A

186.2 MeV

Step 1: Given data

Loss in mass in the fission of one uranium-235 nucleus, $∆m=0.2amu$

Step 2: Finding the energy released

In a nuclear fission reaction, the mass defect is converted into energy.

Given the mass unit and the energy, the equivalent is $1amu=931MeV$

Thus the energy released for 0.2amu is $E=0.2amu\times 931MeV$

$=186.2MeV$

So the energy released is 186.2 MeV. Thus A is the correct option.