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A nucleus of mass number M + Δm is at rest and decays into two daughter nuclei of equal mass M/2 each. Speed of light is c.
The binding energy per nucleon for the parent nucleus is E1 and that for the daughter nuclei is E2. Then
- E2 = 2E1
- E1 > E2
- E2 > E1
- E1 = 2E2
Correct answer: E2 > E1
Solution
The binding energy per nucleon increases when a nucleus decays into smaller, more stable nuclei. This is because the daughter nuclei are typically more tightly bound than the parent nucleus, resulting in a higher binding energy per nucleon for the daughter nuclei compared to the parent.
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