A nucleus with mass number 240 breaks into two fragments, each of mass number 120. The binding energy per nucleon of unfragmented nuclei is 7.6 MeV while that of fragments is 8.5 MeV. Energy released in the process is (a) 216 MeV (b) 0.9 MeV (c) 9.4 MeV (d) 804 MeV

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 13th, 2023

It is given that

The mass number of nucleus = 240

Binding energy per nucleon = 7.6 MeV

The mass number of products = 120

Binding energy per nucleon of products = 8.5 MeV

Table of content

1. A nucleus with mass number 240 breaks into two fragments, each of mass number 120. The binding energy per nucleon of unfragmented nuclei is 7.6 MeV while that of fragments is 8.5 MeV. Energy released in the process is
2. (a) 216 MeV
3. (b) 0.9 MeV
4. (c) 9.4 MeV
5. (d) 804 MeV

We know that

The total gain in binding energy = Binding energy of products – Binding energy of reactants

Substituting the values

= [120 + 120] x 8.5 – [240 x 7.6]

= 240 x 8.5 – 240 x 7.6

So we get

= 240 x 0.9

= 216 MeV

Therefore, the energy released in the process is 216 MeV.

Summary:

A nucleus with mass number 240 breaks into two fragments, each of mass number 120. The binding energy per nucleon of unfragmented nuclei is 7.6 MeV while that of fragments is 8.5 MeV. Energy released in the process is

(a) 216 MeV

(b) 0.9 MeV

(c) 9.4 MeV

(d) 804 MeV

A nucleus with mass number 240 breaks into two fragments, each of mass number 120. The binding energy per nucleon of unfragmented nuclei is 7.6 MeV while that of fragments is 8.5 MeV. Energy released in the process is 216 MeV.

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