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Question:

The above is a plot of binding energy per nucleon E_b, against the nuclear mass M; A, B, C, D, E, F correspond to different nuclei. Consider four reactions: (i) A+B → C+ε (ii) C → A+B+ε (iii) D+E → F+ε (iv) F → D+E+ε where ε is the energy released?

(i) and (iv)

(ii) and (iv)

(ii) and (iii).

(i) and (iii)

Solution:

The reactions for which the product is/are more stable than the reactant, energy (ε) will be positive. (Energy will be released) As B.E/nuclear decides stability ∴ Stability: C > B, C > A, D > F and E > F (i) A+B → C+ε (iv) F → D+E+ε are the reactions for which ε will be positive