Two identical nuclei, each having A = 4 and binding energy per nucleon 7 MeV, fuse to form one nucleus of A = 8 having binding energy per nucleon 7.5 MeV. If the energy released is N MeV, find N.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Initial total binding energy: BE(initial) = 2×4×7 = 56 MeV. Final total binding energy: BE(final) = 8×7.5 = 60 MeV. Energy released is the increase in total binding energy: Q = BE(final) − BE(initial) = 60−56 = 4 MeV. Hence N = 4.