Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are

Question

Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for nuclei is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei indicated on the curve. The process that would release energy is

Accepted Answer

Energy is released in a process when total binding energy of nucleus (= binding energy per nucleon × number of nucleons) is increased or we can say, when total binding energy of products is more than the reactants. By calculation we can see that only in option (c), this happens.
Given : W → 2Y
Binding ebergy of reactant = 120 × 7.5 = 900 MeV
and binding energy of products = 2 (60 × 8.5)
= 1020 MeV > 900 MeV.

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