MediumPhysicsHigh School (11–12)Modern Physics › Nuclei and RadioactivityNumericalBoard ExamAPA-LevelIBAEEE (Amrita)AMUEEE
A nucleus of mass number 238 has a binding energy per nucleon of 7.6 MeV…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A nucleus of mass number has a binding energy per nucleon of MeV. It splits into two nuclei of equal mass number, each with MeV per nucleon. Find the energy released in one fission, in MeV and in joule. Use J.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
When nuclei change into nuclei with a higher binding energy per nucleon, the total binding energy rises, and the gain is released as energy: for the nucleons of the whole system. The curve of peaks near to at about MeV.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Before. MeV.
Step 2. After. The two nuclei have nucleons each, so in all. MeV.
Step 3. The energy released. MeV. In the short way, MeV.
Step 4. In joule. J.
Answer: MeV, or J.
Check. The answer is close to the MeV of a real fission. One fission releases very little energy in joule. It is the huge number of nuclei in even a small mass that makes it large.
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