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The binding energy for the following nuclear reactions are expressed in MeV. ²He³ + ¹n¹ → ²He⁴ + 20 MeV ²He⁴ + ¹n¹ → ²He⁵ - 0.9 MeV If X₃, X₄, X₅ denote the stability of ²He³, ²He⁴ and ²He⁵, respectively, then the correct order is:
- X₄ > X₅ > X₃
- X₄ = X₅ = X₃
- X₄ > X₅ < X₃
- X₄ < X₅ < X₃
Correct answer: X₄ > X₅ > X₃
Solution
The stability of a nucleus is inversely related to its binding energy; higher binding energy indicates greater stability. In this case, ²He⁴ has a positive binding energy of 20 MeV, making it the most stable, while ²He⁵ has a negative binding energy of -0.9 MeV, indicating it is less stable than both ²He⁴ and ²He³, which is also less stable than ²He⁴.
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