Question

Which of the following statement is correct?

• A. The rest mass of a stable nucleus is equal to the sum of the rest masses of its separated nucleons
• B. The rest mass of a stable nucleus is greater than the sum of the rest masses of its separated nucleons
• C. The rest mass energy of the parent nucleus must be more than the rest mass energy of the daughter nuclei.
• D. In nuclear fission, energy is released by fragmentation of a very heavy nucleus

Answer 1

Answer: (C), (D)

The correct options are
C

The rest mass energy of the parent nucleus must be more than the rest mass energy of the daughter nuclei.

D

In nuclear fission, energy is released by fragmentation of a very heavy nucleus

In nuclear fission, energy is released by fragmentation of a very heavy nucleus. Since we know that the energy is released, means it is given out, that the reaction is exothermic.
It has a direct implication that the rest mass energy of the parent nucleus must be more than the rest mass energy of the daughter nuclei.
X→Y+Z
Here Rest mass energy of X > Rest mass energy of Y + Rest mass energy of Z.
The released energy comes out eventually as heat.