A nucleus X of mass number A has binding energy per nucleon 8 MeV. It absorbs a neutron of kinetic energy 2 MeV and forms nucleus Y, emitting photons of energies 1 MeV and 4 MeV. Find the binding energy per nucleon of Y.
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Question

A nucleus X of mass number A has binding energy per nucleon 8 MeV. It absorbs a neutron of kinetic energy 2 MeV and forms nucleus Y, emitting photons of energies 1 MeV and 4 MeV. Find the binding energy per nucleon of Y.

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G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Binding energy is B = Δmc² and binding energy per nucleon is B/A. Step 2: For a reaction, Q = B(products) − B(reactants) (equivalently Q = (m₁−m₂)c²). Step 3: Substitute the given masses or B/A values. Final: B: (8A+3)/(A+1).