Question

The energy required to split ${}_8{O}^{16}$ nucleus into four $\alpha$-particles is (Consider the mass of $\alpha$ particle is $4.002603U$ and that of oxygen is $15.994915U$)

• A. $14.43MeV$
• B. $6.53MeV$
• C. $10.2MeV$
• D. $18.4MeV$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $14.43MeV$

Mass of 4 $\alpha$ particles $=4\times 4.002603$
$=16.010412amu$
Mass of ${}_8{O}^{16}$ = $15.994915amu$

Binding Energy = (Mass of $4\alpha$ particles $-$ Mass of oxygen) $\times 931.5MeV$

Energy required
$\Delta E=(16.010412-15.994915)\times 931.5MeV$
$=0.015497\times 931.5MeV$
$=0.015497\times 931.5$
$=14.43MeV$